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HISTORY 


OF 


GOSPEL  TENTS  AND  EXPERIENCE. 


BY 

Rev.  ANDREW  MANSHIP. 


AUTHOR  OF 

THIRTEEN  YEARS  IN  THE  ITINERANCY,  WITH  OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE  OLD 
WORLD,"  AND  OTHER  BMALLER  WORKS. 


"  Lengtheu  thy  chords  and  strengthen  thy  stakes."   Isaiah,  chap.  54,  v.  2. 

"How  goodly  are  thy  tents,  0  Jacob,  and  thy  tabernacles,  0  Israel."  Numbers, 
chap.  24,  V.  5. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR,  AND  SOLD  UNDER  HIS  OWN  AUSPICES. 
No.  1328  Jefferson  Street, 


Entered,  aocording  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1 884^ 
By  Andrew  Manship, 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


M.  DUSENBERT  &  SON, 
STEREOTYPERS  AND  ELECTROTYPERS, 
PHILADELPHIA. 


DEDICATION. 


As  our  last  born,  little  Earle  St.  Clair,  has  so  suddenly  been  taken 
from  us  by  death,  on  the  11th  day  of  December  1883 ;  and  as  he  was  with 
me  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden  in  the  Tent  work  so  heartily,  especially 
with  the  "Workingmens*  Meeting  at  noontime,  and  sang  hymns  and  re- 
peated the  Lord's  Prayer  amongst  them;  and  as  the  little  creature  so 
attracted  the  attention  of  the  great  congregation  at  one  of  the  Sabbath 
afternoon  meetings,  that  they  raised  ten  dollars  for  Tent  purposes  to  con- 
stitute Earle  a  life  member  of  the  Tent  Association ;  and  as  he  was  so 
true  to  religion,  and  as  he  used  to  say,  "  I  love  old  fashioned  hymns 
and  as  his  little  heart  was  delighted  to  attend  Divine  service,  and  funerals, 
with  his  father : 

Therefore  this  Tent  History  is  dedicated  to  his  memory,  with  the  most 
profound  affection,  by 

HIS  FATHER. 


PREFACE. 


I  WILL  give  a  few  reasons  for  publishing  this  unpre- 
tending volume. 

1.  I  hope  by  so  doing  to  create  a  greater  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  non-churchgoing  people,  and  convince 
any  that  may  be  doubtful  on  that  question,  that  if  we 
will  go  after  the  people  with  solicitude  and  open  the  door, 
they  will  readily  come  to  the  Gospel  Feast. 

2.  I  hope  to  stimulate  my  fellow-laborers  to  use  simple, 
sensible  and  earnest  means,  and  that  by  so  doing,  even 
in  midsummer,  great  spiritual  victories  can  be  won  right 
in  the  city  full. 

3.  I  hope  to  impress  all  my  readers  with  the  idea 
that  if  the  Christian  Church  will  assiduously  work 
for  the  heathen  at  home  as  well  as  abroad,  and  if 
the  people  can  see  us  saving  the  poor  drunkard  and 
really  "rescuing  the  perishing,"  the  means  will  be  fur- 
nished to  carry  on  the  work  from  people  not  accus- 
tomed to  sustain  the  Church. 

(V) 


yi 


PREFACE. 


4.  I  am  hopeful  that  our  meetings,  being  conducted 
on  non-sectarian  principles,  and  gladly  accepting  fellow- 
laborers  from  the  Church  of  Christ  generally,  whirch 
seemed  to  give  much  pleasure  to  all,  will  have  a  ten- 
dency to  prompt  my  fellow  Gospel  laborers  to  go  and  do 
likewise;  demonstrating  the  truth  of  the  Psalmist,  when 
he  says,  "How  good  and  how  pleasant  a  thing  it  is 
for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity." 

5.  The  first  book  I  ever  wrote,  more  than  a  quarter 
of  a  century  ago,  "Thirteen  Years  in  the  Itineracy," 
was  read  in  manuscript  by  that  now  sainted  man  of 
God,  the  Rev.  Bishop  Scott.  He  also  wrote  its  preface. 
Bishop  S.  was  my  most  intimate  ministerial  friend ;  to  him 
for  aid  I  cannot  go.  "  His  loss  I  deeply  feel."  But  my 
readers,  I  trust,  will  not  view  my  little  Tent  History 
"  with  a  critic's  eye ;"  but  as  they  read,  say  of  the  humble 
author,  "  He  hath  done  what  he  could."  And  I  earnestly 
invoke  God's  blessing  to  rest  on  this  "  work  of  faith  and 
labor  of  love." 

6.  Finally,  I  will  not  disguise  the  fact  that  I  want  to  be 
free.  "  From  air  entanglements  beneath,  call  off  my  peace- 
ful heart."  I  do  not  hold  forth  the  idea,  as  in  my  former 
publications,  that  it  is  to  aid  the  funds  of  this  or  that 
humane  and  Christian  institution  ;  but  with  the  past  and 
present  work,  and  my  future  "Forty  Years  in  the  Wil- 
derness," coming  by  and  by,  like  my  now  sainted  friend, 

Rev.  John  H  ,  who  was  oppressed  but  preached,  wrote 

and  scattered  stirring  volumes  until  he  "owed  no  man 


PREFACE.  vii 

anything  but  love."  My  faith  is  strong  that  I  shall 
live  to  see  the  year  of  jubilee  and  enjoy  its  benedictions. 

**  If  forced  from  faith  forever  miserable, 

For  what  is  misery  but  want  of  God, 
,    And  God  is  lost  if  faith  be  overthrown." 

Andrew  Manship. 

Philadelphia,  Thanksgiving  Day,  Nov.  30th  1883, 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Converted  in  a  Tent  when  a  Boy — Hon.  James  L.  Bartol — Hon.  Eli, 
Saulsbury,  U.  S.  Senator — Samuel  G.  Smith,  founder  of  Bloomery — 
Dedicatory  Sermon — Tents  the  order  of  the  day — '*  I  have  put  off 
my  coat,  how  shall  I  put  it  on  ?" — An  old  Sea  Captain  converted 
in  a  Tent — An  Old  Man  Converted  and  his  son  blessed,  while 
praying  in  a  Tent — Red  Lion  Camp  Meeting — New  Tent  from 
Union  M.  E.  Church,  Wilmington — Pitch  Tents  Sixteenth  and  Coates 
Streets  in  1853 — Bishop  Waugh  lays  corner-stone  in  the  Tent — • 
Eriendljr  spirit  of  the  Churches  in  loaning  Tents — Soap  used  to  good 
advantage — Uses  made  of  North  Penn  Tent — First  soul  converted — 
Rev.  Thos.  T.  Tasker  and  Rev.  A.  Atwood  at  Seaside  in  Tent — 
Tent  goes  to  the  war — Venango  street  Tent  Meeting — A  soldier  con- 
verted in  the  Tent — The  Great  Wigwam  in  Girard  Avenue,  1866 — 
I  tried  to  get  brother  Ministers  to  help  in  Tent  work — Simple  means 
effectual — Successors  of  the  Apostles — The  Camp  Tents  at  Chestnut 
Hill  lithographed,      .       .       •  13-27 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Leadings  of  Providence — Dr.  Webster  Superintendent — The 
Sanctuary  Trustees — The  Saturday  Night  Meeting — Rev.  Anthony 
Atwood — The  Young  People's  Meeting — Rev.  Jerome  Lindermuth — 
The  Writer  did  the  best  he  could  at  Night — Monday  Afternoon  and 
Night — The  Inquirer's  kind  Notice — Tuesday  the  great  Battle 
was  fought — Wednesday  night  fully  Dedicated — None  saved  till 
Saturday  night,         .       .  27-36 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  first  Convert — Several  take  the  Pledge — An  interesting  Letter — 
Our  object  to  benefit  the  Churches — All  classes  attend — Laborious 
day — Young  McAllister — Kind  Notice  by  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer 

(ix) 


X 


CONTENTS. 


— Rev.  Mr.  Kurtz — Anecdote  forty  years  ago — John  Huggins,  the 
Poet — Colored  Clergymen  helping  us — Brooklyn  Evangelist — Two 
remarkable  Funerals  the  9th  of  August — Death  of  Harry  Smitten — 
The  results  of  the  labors  ot  30th  November  1882— Great  Children's 
Meeting — Praise  to  Tract  Societies — Took  several  to  Sanctuary — 
A  glorious  Union  Meeting — Rev.  James  Morrow^  D.D. — Endorse- 
ment by  the  populace — The  Doxology  was  sung — Rev.  J.  R.  Mer- 
rell's  Faith  increases — Rev.  J.  Y.  Ashton — Rev.  Mr.  Young — A 
thrilling  Conversion — Kindness  the  best — Two  Colored  men  singing 
with  their  Children — Ethiopia  stretches  out  her  hands — Great  events 
to  follow — The  Ledger's  Editorial — Refrain  from  these  Men,  37-61 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Workingmen's  Meeting — Specimen  Sermons — One  thousand  Circulars 
sent  out — The  Funeral  of  a  Workingman — Ministers,  Laymen  and 
Christian  Women  helping — Meetings  non-sectarian — Professor  Foster 
and  Lady  Volunteer  to  give  us  Music — Volunteers  better  than  Con- 
scripted Men — The  Philadelphia  Newspapers  kind — The  two  Lectures 
towards  the  second  hundred — One  noble  man  buys  fifty — Faith  in 
God,  the  People  and  ourselves — You  did  not  believe  you  could" — 
Complimentary  resolutions  relating  to  lectures — The  Prodigal  comes 
home — The  Holy  Ghost  fell  upon  us — The  testimony  of  converts — . 
Mr.  McNichol — The  Police  Force  kind — Little  Earle  made  a  life 
member — Handbills  and  Hymns  sent  out — A  tribute  of  respect  to 
Friends — Mr.  Joseph  Clough — Eight  Denominations  represented — 
Predict  a  bright  day  to-morrow — The  Onesimus  Sermon — Faithful 
/helpers — Sketching  a  Sermon — Rev.  Mr.  Denning  and  Rev,  Mr. 
Hambleton — Rev.  Mr.  Smith  of  Salem  M.  E.  Church — Rev.  Mr. 
Golday — The  Bible  Society — Rev.  Irvine  Torrence — Lost,  perhaps 
saved,  by  a  Mother's  Prayers,   62-93 

CHAPTER  V. 

Rev.  John  P.  Meredith — Change  our  Bulletin — Christian  Union — 
Keep  the  Churches  open — Rev.  Mr.  Anderson — *'I  will  cut  the 
ropes" — Mr.  Geo.  Burnham  shows  his  respect — Mrs.  Young's 
courage  in  the  Workingmens'  Meeting — Presentation  of  Preamble 
and  Resolutions — My  last  Sermon  to  the  Men — I  invite  them  to 
Sanctuary — They  give  me  their  cards  in  return  for  mine — Rev.  Mr. 
Harrison  takes  Rev.  Dr.  Vernon's  place — Rev.  John  A.  Roche,  D.D. 


xi 


CONTENTS. 


— "  Certainly  !  Certainly  !  Certainly  !" — Are  the  Consolations  of 
God  small  with  thee?" — Rev.  Dr.  Roche  my  first  guest — A  two 
Months'  Review — Grand  Ministers — Rev.  James  Morrow,  D.D., 
Rev.  Dr.  Curtis  F.  Turner,  Rev.  Adam  Wallace,  D.D. — Reach 
the  Masses — The  Race  for  Glory  and  Fighting  for  a  Crown — The 
closing  Services — Rev.  Dr.  Roche  at  Mr.  Rose's  Funeral — Tent 
stored  for  another  Campaign — The  Narrow  Way — A  Soul  saved  in 
the  Plank  Tent — The  German  Parade  utilized  for  Tent  Work — 
All  People  indebted  to  the  Church — The  Sale  of  Lumber  by  Faith 
and  Works — X-ed  by  the  Lord — The  Dedication  of  John  Wesley 
Church,  Salem  Co.,  N.  J.— A  Tent  Pitched— The  Webb  Family 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Still — A  Straight  up  and  down  Shout,        .  93-127 

CHAPTER  VI. 

"  Streams  in  the  Desert " — Owe  no  man  anything  " — How  is  this  to 
be  avoided  in  some  cases  ? — Work  manfully,  Deliverance  will 
come  " — Kind  Letters  which  show  the  Tide  is  turning — Bishop  Peck 
— Light  thrown  on  the  subject — Help  on  the  Indians — Get  out  of 
the  old  ruts — "His  usefulness  ended  in  this  city" — '^Work  while 
the  day  lasts" — Dying  words  valuable — '*Bury  him  if  he  were 
dead  " — Burying  City  Officials — If  you  are  a  Minister,  that's  enough. 
— "Why  run  after  that  crazy  Fanatic?" — "Don't  weary  in  well 
doing  " — "  With  joy  we  greet  you  " — "Victory,  victory." — "  Cast 

thy  bread  on  the  waters  " — S.  P.  Godwin,  Esq. — Mr.  B  's  Letter 

of  Gratitude — Streams  of  Salvation  into  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church — 
Promising  young  men — "Joy  coraeth  in  the  morning" — The  Re- 
vival seen  by  Faith  in  Sanctuary — How  are  we  to  lengthen  the  cords  ? 
— Grand  and  sad  results  in  thirty  years — St.  George's  on  the  top 
wave — The  children  promising  to  the  church — The  sensible  choir — 
Short  step  from  activity  to  helplessness — The  Conference  worker's 
report — The  sermon  on  the  river — The  letters  responded  to  beau- 
tifully— Rev.  Bishop  Simpson— "  Defence  of  the  Fathers" — May 
the  last  days  be  the  best — Kind  words  in  behalf  of  Local  Preachers — 
The  tide  rolls  on — Respect  to  the  memory  of  Earle  St.  Clair — A 
little  child  shall  lead  them — Rev.  Thos.  Hanlon,  D.D. — Valedic- 
tory—"  Coming  by  and  by."    128-189 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 

OP 

GOSPEL  TENTS. 


CHAPTER  L 


("  How  goodly  are  thy  Tents,  0  Jacob,  and  thy  Tabernacles,  0  Israel.") 
Numbers,  24 :  15. 

Converted  in  a  Tent  when  a  Boy — Hon.  James  L.  Bartol — Hon.  Eli 
Saulsbury,  U.  S.  Senator — Samuel  G.  Smith,  founder  of  Bloomery^ — ■ 
Dedicatory  Sermon — Tents  the  order  of  the  day — **I  have  put  oif 
my  Coat,  how  shall  I  put  it  on?" — An  old  Sea  Captain  converted 
in  a  Tent — An  Old  Man  converted,  and  his  Son  blessed,  while 
praying  in  a  Tent — Red  Lion  Camp  Meeting — New  Tent  from 
Union  M,  E.  Church,  Wilmington — ^Pitch  Tents  Sixteenth  and  Coates 
Streets  in  1853 — Bishop  Waugh  lays  corner-stone  in  the  Tent — 
Friendly  spirit  of  the  Churches  in  loaning  Tents — Soap  used  to  good 
advantage — Uses  made  of  North  Penn  Tent — First  soul  converted — 
Eev.  Thos.  T.  Tasker  and  Rev.  A.  Atwood  at  Seaside  in  Tent — 
Tent  goes  to  the  war — Venango  street  Tent  Meeting — A  Soldier  con- 
verted in  the  Tent — The  Great  Wigwam  in  Girard  Avenue,  1866 — 
I  tried  to  get  brother  Ministers  to  help  in  Tent  work — Simple  means 
effectual — Successors  of  the  Apostles — The  Camp  Tents  at  Chestnut 
Hill  lithographed. 

T  AM  sure  it  will  do  good  to  tell  my  readers  my 
humble  experience  in  connection  with  Tents  and 
Tabernacles.    First,  I  was  converted  to  God  in  a 
Tent,  "  The  Denton  Union  Tent,"  when  I  was  a  youth 

(13) 


14 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


at  Three  Bridges'  Woods,  about  three  miles  from 
Denton,  Md.  As  I  was  going  in  to  seek  the  Lord, 
a  class  leader  restrained  me  and  endeavored  to  hold 
me  back,  but  I  persevered,  with  good  results.  We 
do  not  restrain  the  children  now.  This  is  progress 
in  the  right  direction.  I  recollect  so  vividly  a  tall 
young  man  being  near  me,  also  sought  the  Lord 
very  earnestly ;  I  remember  his  position  ;  he  was  flat 
on  his  back,  looking  up  to  the  "  Lamb  of  God  that 
taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world."  He  was  faith- 
ful to  the  end,  and  though  he  filled  high  positions 
in  the  state,  he  was  ever  true  to  the  church  of  his 
early  choice.  The  person  I  refer  to  was  Governor 
Gove  Saulsbury,  of  Delaware.  That  was  a  glorious 
meeting,  and  lasted  till  the  break  of  day.  We 
wrestled  like  Jacob,  the  patriarch,  till  the  angel  had 
to  say,  "Let  me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh,"  and 
measured  up  to  the  spirit  of  one  of  the  grandest 
hymns  ever  written  by  mortal  man,  where  the  poet 
says, 

With  Thee  all  night  I  mean  to  stay, 
And  wrestle  till  the  break  of  day." 

The  second  sermon  I  preached,  after  having 
been  licensed  when  quite  youthful,  was  in  a  Tent, 
the  forerunner  of  Bloomery  M.  E.  Church,  in 
Caroline  Co.,  Md.  It  was  a  cold  January  day; 
I  spent  Saturday  night  with  Eli  Saulsbury,  now 
U.  S.  Senator  from  Delaware;  he  was  an  official 
member  at  Wesley  Chapel,  and  after  voting  for  me 
to  receive  license,  and  hearing  me  preach  my  first 
sermon,  took  me  home  with  him  to  his  mother's 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


15 


house  and  kindly  entertained  me ;  and  bright  and 
early  next  morning  I  started  on  horseback  to  my 
Tent,  Bloomery  meeting ;  I  had  the  use  of  lawyer 
James  L.  Bartol's  fine  horse.  Mr.  Bartol  was  then 
a  rising  young  lawyer  in  Denton,  Md.  His  kind- 
ness to  the  young  preacher  and  kindred  acts  have 
won  for  him  an  enviable  reputation,  and  he  is 
now  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  State  of  Maryland. 
How  I  would  like  to  meet  the  now  venerable  Judge 
and  thank  him  for  his  kindness  to  me  in  my  early 
ministry  in  the  home  field.  The  Tent  was  on  a 
sand  bank;  the  winds  whistled,  the  boards  of  this 
plank  tent  rattled ;  the  young  preacher  did  his  best, 
and  assisted  by  the  glorious  leader  Samuel  G.  Smith, 
we  made  a  joyful  noise,  and  as  the  work  of  salvation 
went  on  and  as  we  saw  souls  converted  we  thought 
of  the  passage,  "The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth, 
thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell 
whence  it  cometh  or  whither  it  goeth ;  so  is  every 
one  that  is  born  of  the  spirit.^'  Grand  meetings 
were  held  in  that  Tent;  many  Soldiers  of  the  Cross, 
enlisted  to  fight  for  Christ  and  liberty,  so  that  the 
work  commenced  in  the  Tent  culminated  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  beautiful  church  that  is  an  ornament  to  the 
neighborhood,  and  in  1854  I  had  the  honor  of 
preaching  the  Dedicatory  Sermon. 

On  my  early  circuits.  Tents  were  the  order  of  the 
day.  We  held  camp  meetings,  and  woods  meetings 
in  my  childhood's  home,  and, on  all  my  early  fields 
of  labor,  "Pratt's  Branch,"  "Combs'  Woods,"  "  Ross's 
Woods,"  "  Kent  Island,"  the  Tents  were  a  prominent 
part  of  the  arrangement.    At  one  of  those  Tent 


16 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


meetings  at  Combs'  Woods,  as  it  was  then  called, 
between  Camden  and  Dover,  the  enthusiastic  young 
preacher  could  have  been  seen  singing  and  shouting 
with  his  coat  off,  standing  on  the  central  bench  in 
the  Tent,  the  perspiration  rolling  down  his  youthful 
face  profusely.  No  doubt  some  might  have  said 
there  is  more  zeal  than  brains,  there  is  a  lack  of 
dignity;  but  at  that  camp  meeting  the  ministers 
were  all  quite  zealous;  my  senior  preacher.  Rev.  Wm. 
Connelly,  long  since  gone  to  heaven,  was  flaming 
with  the  glory  of  God,  and  in  that  heated  fiery 
meeting  where  I  could  say  in  the  language  of  the 
bible  "  I  put  off  my  coat,''  an  old  captain,  the  father 
of  an  eminent  minister,  was  most  gloriously  con- 
verted. Yes,  in  that  Tent  meeting,  the  devil  seemed 
to  throw  him  down  and  tear  him,  and  he  foamed  at 
the  mouth,  and  speaking  as  one  having  authority, 
and  not  as  the  scribes.  Rev.  William  Connelly  said, 
apparently  addressing  the  devil,  "  I  command  you 
to  come  out  of  him."  "  And  devils  were  subject  to 
them."  The  devil  was  literally  cast  out.  In  1843 
Kent  Island  was  a  great  attraction ;  the  camp  meet- 
ing was  a  grand  success  in  Stephens's  Woods;  what 
grand  ministers  we  had — Revs.  Enos  R.  Williams, 
James  Allen,  Rev,  Dr.  Roberts,  of  Baltimore,  Rev. 
William  II.  Elliott,  and  others.  All  that  I  have 
named,  except  Rev.  William  H.  Elliott,  are  dead. 
Scores  were  converted ;  the  present  Dr.  Roderick 
Earkison,  the  lady  (Miss  Goodwin)  whom  he  after- 
wards married,  and  young  Mr.  Carter,  the  son  of  a 
rich  man,  who  died  happy  in  two  weeks  after  camp 
meeting,  were  among  the  converts.    Many  conver- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


17 


sions  took  place  in  the  large  meeting  Tent.  I 
recollect  a  Mr.  Bryan,  a  thrilling  case  of  conversion ; 
his  father  was  converted  in  the  stand,  at  that  camp 
meeting;  he  was  an  old  man  who  fought  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war;  his  conversion  shook  the  camp  meet- 
ing from  centre  to  circumference.  Late  at  night  we 
started  a  meeting  in  the  big  Tent;  his  son  had 
never  been  converted,  though  a  nominal  member 
of  the  church.  I  took  the  liberty  to  call  on  him  to 
lead  in  prayer,  and  while  he  thanked  God  for 
converting  others,  among  the  rest,  his  venerable 
father,  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  came  upon 
him,  and  he  shouted  "  I  am  saved,  I  am  blessed ! 
glory  to  God  for  what  he  has  done  for  my  soul 
to-night 

My  next  official  connection  with  a  big  Tent  was  in 
1851,  at  Red  Lion  camp  meeting.  I  was  at  Union 
Church,  in  Wilmington  ;  though  we  had  built  a  new 
church  in  Wilmington,  we  felt  moved  to  get  up  a 
large  new  company  Tent.  What  power  came  down 
upon  us  at  the  dedication  of  that  white-winged 
messenger  of  salvation  !  What  glorious  men  I  had 
associated  with  me  from  our  church!  such  as  Isaac 
McConnell,  Jordan  Staggers,  Wm.  Edmunson,  Cyrus 
Stern,  Albert  Thatcher,  and  many  others.  What 
glorious  women  we  had !  such  as  Miss  Margaret  Rum- 
ford,  Miss  Elizabeth  Hollo  well,  Miss  Mary  Temple, 
Mrs.  Ford  and  others,  the  most  of  whom  have  pitched 
their  Tents,  never  more  to  strike  them,  on  the  banks 
of  the  river  of  life.  Though  it  has  been  thirty-two 
years,  how  vividly  I  remember  the  conversion  of  a 
gray-headed  man  from  Brandywine  Hundred,  by 
2 


18 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


the  name  of  Webster ;  and  in  that  Tent — their  name 
was  legion,  for  they  were  many — over  twenty  were 
converted  in  one  night.  How  this  large  beautiful 
Tent  built  us  up  in  our  most  Holy  Faith. 

My  next  official  Tent  arrangement,  and  the 
largest  of  my  life,  was  in  connection  with  the  erec- 
tion of  the  new  church  on  the  St.  George^s  lot, 
IGth  below  Fairmount  Av.,  Phila.  We  were  ready 
for  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  in  1853.  The  day 
was  bright.  Bishop  Waugh  came  on  from  Baltimore. 
I  met  him  at  the  Baltimore  Depot.  I  showed  him 
the  Ledger  with  the  advertisement,  headed,  in  the 
language  of  Scripture  "  To  your  Tents,  0  Israel/' 
Said  the  Bishop,  ^'that  sounds  like  you.  Brother 
Manship."  "No,  Bishop,  not  me,  but  it  sounds 
like  the  word  of  God."  We  had  tents  pitched  to 
screen  us  from  the  sun.  The  churches  were  friendly 
— St.  John's,  St.<jreorge's,  St.  Paul's  and  Wharton 
street.  Rev.  George  R.  Crooks,  pastor  of  St.  John's, 
came  to  our  help,  and  after  the  Bishop  had  success- 
fully laid  the  corner-stone,  we  continued  the  Tent 
Meetings.  It  was  a  city  camp  meeting,  and  so  pub- 
lished in  the  city  papers.  The  corner-stone  was 
laid  on,  Thursday,  and  by  the  Sabbath  we  enlarged 
the  borders  and  had  Tents  pitched  sufficient  to  hold 
two  thousand  people.  In  the  Sabbath  Service,  as 
I  stood  in  the  pulpit,  like  a  camp  meeting  stand, 
some  one  threw  at  me  a  big  piece  of  hard  soap ;  it 
struck  one  of  the  posts  and  fell  harmless  at  my 
feet.  I  said,  "this  will  answer  a  good  purpose; 
to-morrow  is  wash-day,  I  will  take  it  home,  and  the 
washerwoman  will  use  it  in  washing  linens  that  we 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


19 


will  soil  in  getting  just  such  sinners  converted  to 
God  We  worshipped  in  the  Tents  all  the  time, 
until  the  weather  became  too  frosty  and  cold,  then 
we  changed  our  base  and  struck  our  Tents;  hundreds 
were  converted  to  God  under  those  canvas  sacred 
white  Tabernacles.  I  like  the  white  snow-like  Tents, 
they  indicate  purity.  As  soon  as  the  frost  drove  us 
from  the  tented  field,  we  erected  a  more  substantial 
Tent,  viz.,  the  temporary  plank  Hedding  M.  E. 
Church,  and  while  the  brick  church  was  being 
built,  nearly  one  thousand  were  converted  to  God. 
Glory  to  his  name  !  That  work  will  never  stop — it 
will  go  on  throughout  eternal  ages. 

My  next  arrangement  with  Tent  work  was  at 
North  Penn,  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  We 
used  our  Tent  for  various  purposes :  first,  we  pitched 
it  on  the  lot  or  near  the  lot  where  we  expected  to 
build  the  church — the  Mission  Church.  The  night 
of  its  dedication  one  soul  was  converted  to  God,  a 
Miss  Bodenstine,  now  Mrs.  Drum,  and  a  most 
effective  worker  in  the  present  M.  E.  Church 
there,  and  in  the  providence  of  God,  able  with 
means  and  energy  to  do  good  service  to  the  cause  of 
Christ.  Second,"  we  used  this  Tent  on  an  excur- 
sion to  Atlantic  City,  pitching  it  on  the  beach ; 
that  was  our  Excursion  House;  we  had  a  full  supply 
of  ice  water,  nothing  stronger ;  we  had  grand  music; 
we  sent  down  an  instrument,  we  had  glorious  reli- 
gious services  by  the  seaside.  Rev.  Thomas  T. 
Tasker,  and  Rev.  A.  Atwood,  were  the  principal 
speakers ;  nobly  did  they  do  their  work  ;  I  am  glad 
they  are  still  living  and  happy  on  the  banks  of  Jor- 


20 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


dan.  Thirdly,  this  glorious  Tent  finished  its  course 
in  the  service  of  the  country.  Rev.  Brother  Sewell, 
Chaplain  of  Col.  Murphy's  Regiment,  asked  me  for 
it,  as  a  place  of  religious  worship  for  our  noble  boys 
in  blue ;  I  could  not  resist.  Like  thousands  of 
patriotic  men  who  went  to  the  front,  the  grand 
glorious  Tent  never  returned,  but  their  works  do 
follow  them.  What  a  patriotic  and  Christian  act 
was  performed  by  this  Tabernacle! 

We  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  church  in  Venango 
stret-t,  east  of  Richmond,  with  the  help  of  Tents 
pitched  in  the  field  in  1S(56.  We  repaired  the  Xorth 
Penn  M.  E.  Church  in  1S66,  with  the  help  of  God 
and  Tents,  we  re-dedicated  it.  We  spent  the  day 
gloriously  inside  and  outside  of  the  church.  The 
Tent  meetings  were  the  great  attractions ;  a  young 
man  who  fought  in  the  war  was  gloriously  converted 
in  the  Tent  meeting  that  day,  and  Cxod's  power  was 
displayed  gloriously. 

In  1866  when  the  north  and  the  south  met  in  the 
great  wigwam  to  smoke  together  the  pipe  of  peace, 
and  hold  patriotic  grateful  services,  as  a  watchman 
on  the  walls  of  Zion,  I  looked  out  for  a  chance  to 
advocate  the  cause  of  the  King  of  Kings  and  Lord 
of  Lords.  I  was  then  city  missionary  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  The  wigwam  was  secured  for  religious  pur- 
poses the  Sabbath  after  the  national  meetings  were 
over.  I  preached  to  a  vast  multitude  ;  we  had  meet- 
ings all  day;  a  great  Presbyterian  minister  preached 
in  the  afternoon — Rev.  Dr.  Landis,  of  Tenn. ;  Gene- 
ral Gregory,  in  full  uniform,  also  told  the  old,  old 
story  of  Jesus  and  his  Love.   He  was  a  Presbyterian. 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


21 


Ten  tnousand  tracts  were  distributed;  one  thousand 
small  hymn  books  were  there  for  free  use.  The 
instrument  of  music  was  sent  from  my  house.  My 
own  boy,  Levi  Scott,  played  all  day  ;  the  penny 
collections  run  up  to  near  one  hundred  dollars. 
Such  a  meeting  never  perhaps  was  held  in  the 
City  of  Philadelphia.  Why  should  it  not  have 
gone  on  ? 

Monday  morning  I  went  to  the  Preachers'  Meet- 
ing ;  I  laid  the  subject  before  the  brethren ;  I  asked 
them  to  come  over  into  Macedonia  and  help  us ;" 
I  said,  "let  us  hold  a  great  city  camp  meeting;  I 
can  get  the  wigwam  free,  for  Christ  and  his  cause; 
it  will  hold  ten  thousand ;''  but  I  am  sorry  to  say 
I  was  not  encouraged,  but  discouraged.  I  remem- 
ber one  of  the  speakers  charged  the  meeting  with  \ 
being  the  means  of  breaking  the  Sabbath. 

That  day  the  Girard  Avenue  cars  run  for  the 
first  time  ;  but  how  flimsy  was  the  allegation  ;  better 
charge  the  company  whose  main  aim  was  to  make 
money  regardless  of  the  command  of  God,  "Re- 
member the  Sabbath  day  to* keep  it  holy!''  I  have 
often  thought  since  I  made  a  mistake  in  not  taking 
ihe  name  of  Jesus  with  me,  and  going  ahead,  rely- 
ing on  the  promise,  "Lo!  I  am  with  you  always; 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world !"  How  many 
opportunities  we  allow,  to  pass,  which,  if  im- 
proved, would  result  in  the  salvation  of  blood- 
bought  souls ! 

If  we  do  not  enter  into  these  open  doors,  can  we 
blame  others  for  so  doing?  Can  we  find  fault, 
with  propriety,  with  the  Holiness  movement,  in- 


22 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


eluding  Tabernacle  and  National  Camp  Meeting 
arrangements  Can  we  find  fault  with  the  Salva- 
tion Army,  and  the  hosts  of  Evangelists  going 
forth,  and  Evangelistic  efforts  that  are  being  in- 
augurated ?  God  hath  chosen  simple,  earnest 
means  for  saving  souls ;  "  plainness  and  simplicity 
becometh  the  Gospel,"  and  if  the  Church  gets  too 
dignified  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  the  Apostolic 
Church,  and  too  high-toned  to  follow  the  example 
of  Wesley  and  our  Fathers,  He  will  raise  up  a  peo- 
ple that  will  go  out  into  the  highways  and  hedges, 
and  reach  the  masses.  The  poor  have  the  Gospel 
preached  unto  them."  My  idea  is,  that  all  min- 
isters ought  to  be  full  of  Faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  gladly  could  we  then  "do  the  work  of  an 
Evangelist,"  make  full  proof  of  our  ministry,  and 
feel  that  we  are  in  the  most  glorious  sense  of  the 
word,  "  The  Successors  of  the  Apostles ;"  and  con- 
vert sinners  from  the  error  of  their  way,  and  say, 
"  Ye  are  my  epistles,  known  and  read  of  all  men." 

In  1871,  while  in  my  third  year  at  Chestnut  Hill 
station,  I  had  tried  almost  everything  that  was  proper 
to  create  a  religious  interest,  and,  as  a  finality,  I 
told  my  brethren  I  wanted  to  hold  a  Camp  Meeting 
in  the  beautiful  grove  near  Willow  Grove  station. 
All  united  with  me ;  we  had  fine  arrangements, 
good  seats,  an  excellent  pulpit,  a  good  bell,  a  fine 
organ,  and  we  had  a  few  Tents ;  none  lodged  on 
the  ground  but  myself  and  family. 

The  greatest  thing  and  the  "central  point  of 
bliss,"  was  Rev.  Andrew  Dowden  Davis's  grand 
large  Tabernacle.    This  indefatigable  clergyman 


\ 


OF  GOSPEL  T>ENTS.  23 

was  then  stationed  at  Harrington,  Delaware,  and 
by  his  enthusiasm  and  industry,  helped  on  greatly 
by  his  grand  Tabernacle  which  he  had  built  to 
order,  succeeded,  not  only  in  winning  souls,  but 
in  erecting  the  beautiful  M.  E.  Church  in  the  town 
of  Harrington,  now  one  of  the  most  flourishing 
towns  in  Kent  county,  Delaware.  I  had  the  honor 
of  assisting  in  the  dedication,  both  of  the  Canvas 
Tabernacle  and  the  beautiful  Church,  which  is  the 
greatest  of  all  the  enterprises  of  that  flourishing 
place.  I  place  the  Church  at  the  head  of  all;  she 
is  the  superlative  good,  and  I  do  not  wonder 
that  David  said  :  "  I  will  not  give  sleep  to  mine 
eyes  or  slumber  to  mine  eyelids,  until  I  find  out 
a  place  for  the  Lord — a  habitation  of  the  mighty 
God  of  Jacob." 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  I  was  quite  intimate  with 
the  Rev.  A.  D.  Davis,  I  ventured  to  ask  him  for  the 
use  of  his  Tent  for  my  Chestnut  Hill  Camp  Meet- 
ing. We  did  not  deem  it  too  much  trouble  or 
expense  to  bring  this  Tabernacle  up  from  the  State 
of  Delaware.  It  nobly  did  its  work,  and  made 
itself  an  immortal  history.  The  most  terrific 
thunder  storm  I  can  remember  took  place  on 
Sunday  night  at  the  camp,  accompanied  by  vivid 
flashes  of  lightning  and  heavy  rain.  The  masses 
of  people  who  were  in  attendance  that  Sunday 
night,  were,  from  the  raging  storm,  driven  for 
shelter  into  this  large  Tent.  We  certainly  took 
advantage  of  the  circumstance.  We  sang  appro- 
priate hymns,  such  as — 


24 


A  BKIEF  HISTORY 


The  God  that  rules  on  high, 
And  on  the  earth  surveys, 
That  rides  upon  the  stormy  sky, 
And  calms  the  roaring  seas." 

Rev.  John  Klein,  of  Philadelphia,  preached  from 
the  text,  "  Prepare  to  meet  thy  God."  He  seemed  to 
be  inspired ;  never  did  he  preach  so  powerfully  as 
on  that  occasion.  A  stately  oak  at  one  end  of  the 
Tent  in  the  meantime  was  struck  and  split  open, 
a  ball  of  fire  passed  through  the  Tent  with  the 
speed  of  lightning,  and  the  great  crowd  of  living 
humanity  made  a  narrow  escape.  The  preacher 
waxed  more  earnest  and  eloquent  as  the  storm 
wildly  swept  over  our  camp.  One  young  man 
starting  to  run  at  full  speed  for  his  home  in  Chestnut 
Hill,  fell  and  ruptured  a  blood  vessel,  and  died ;  the 
fear  and  trembling  that  came  upon  the  people  was 
intense.  We  held  a  glorious  prayer  meeting  after 
the  sermon  was  over,  and  felt  happy  in  the  work, 
and  could  sing  sincerely, 

Should  storms  of  wrath  shake  earth  and  sea, 
Their  minds  have  Heaven  and  peace  within." 

I  cannot  say  that  any  there  and  then  w^ere  con- 
verted, but  the  impression  made  on  hundreds  will 
never  be  effaced.  God  did  certainly  come  amongst 
his  people  on  that  occasion  like  the  rushing  of  a 
mighty  wind." 

Such  was  the  interest  of  some  of  us  in  that  appa- 
rentlj^  small  Tabernacle  arrangement,  that  when  it 
was  over,  before  our  Tents  were  struck,  we  had  the 
camp  lithographed.    Mr.  Davis's  Tabernacle  stands 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


25 


out  in  bold  relief,  with  the  other  small  tents  inter- 
spersed amongst  the  stately  oaks.  The  likeness  of 
the  soldier-watchman,  Mr.  Nichols,  now  in  his  grave, 
can  be  seen.  Mr.  John  H.  Shultz,  the  waiter,  his 
wife,  and  Mrs.  Bessen,  can  be  readily  recognised. 
Young  Mr.  Windolph  and  my  own  two  little  girls, 
Estelle  and  Gertrude,  then  only  six  and  four  years 
old,  are  very  plainly  printed  on  the  picture.  How 
precious  now  that  picture  is  to  me,  and  how  significant 
the  passage  of  scripture  at  the  bottom  of  the  engrav- 
ing, "  Behold  how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kind- 
leth!''  My  readers  will  understand  this  delicate 
allusion;  the  same  tender  subject  will  be  adverted  to 
elaborately  as  I  near  the  termination  of  "  Forty 
Years  in  the  Wilderness,  led  by  a  Pillar  of  Cloud 
and  Fire,"  perhaps  a  year  hence. 

As  I  now  look  on  that  engraving,  Estelle  appears 
to  me  beautiful,  but  not  as  beautiful  as  she  did 
attired  for  the  grave,  and  sleeping  in  her  casket,  on 
the  13th  day  of  April  1883,  in  the  chancel  of  the 
church  where  she  was  baptized  when  a  babe,  by  our 
ever  cherished  friend.  Rev.  Bishop  Scott.  How  she 
loved  Bishop  Scott;  he  preceded  her  just  six 
months.  They  have  met  ere  this,  and  she  will  be  a 
star  in  his  crown  of  rejoicing.  There  and  then  the 
words  of  Mr.  Wesley  were  verified : 

Ah,  lovely  appearance  of  death, 

What  object  on  earth  is  so  fair  ? 
Not  all  the  gay  pageants  of  earth, 

Can  with  one  dead  body  compare." 

But  the  half  has  never  been  told.    How  much 


26 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


more  beautiful  she  will  look  clad  in  her  robe  of  pure 
white,  "  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  f  her 
face  shining  like  the  countenance  of  an  angel,  and 
"  by  and  by  "  soul  and  body  reunited,  fashioned  like 
unto  His  glorious  body, 

*  *  Arrayed  in  glorious  grace, 
Shall  these  vile  bodies  shine, 
And  every  shape  and  every  face 
Be  heavenly  and  divine." 

When  I  wrote  the  foregoing  chapter,  it  did  not 
appear  that  I  was  to  labor  in  the  great  tent.  Broad 
and  Spring  Garden.  That  was  an  after-considera- 
tion. The  opening  was  unexpected,  and  as  set  forth 
in  the  beginning  of  the  next  chapter,  Providential. 
The  first  chapter  was  designed  for  Forty  Years  in 
the  Wilderness,  led  by  a  pillar  of  Cloud  and  Fire.'' 
It  may  be  that  in  that  largest  and  probably  last 
literary  efl'ort  of  my  life,  the  whole  of  my  Tent 
History  may  be  incorporated,  as  it  is  an  important 
item  in  my  Forty  Years  in  the  Wilderness,''  and 
that  work  will,  as  we  hope,  have  quite  a  general 
circulation.  My  present  idea  is  to  let  it  reappear  in 
the  contemplated  work. 

Tents  are  a  Scriptural  arrangement,  and  were  a 
great  power  in  early  Methodism,  and  will  ever  be 
if  maintained  and  properly  managed.  The  M.  E. 
Church  at  Columbia  Avenue  and  Twenty-fifth  street, 
is  an  outgrowth,  in  an  eminent  degree,  of  a  Tent 
under  the  control  of  the  energetic  Rev.  Robert 
Harkinson.  And  of  the  churches  it  may  be  said 
"  their  name  is  legion,  for  they  are  many,"  which 
have  emanated  from  the  pitching  of  a  Tent  in  the 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS.  27 

name  of  the  Head  of  the  Church,  here  and  j^onder. 
^'  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  my  gospel  to 
every  creature.''  What  fine  facilities  do  "  Gospel 
Tents''  afford  in  enabling  us  to  fulfil  the  above 
command. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  Leadings  of  Providence — Dr.  Webster  Superintendent — The 
Sanctuary  Trustees — The  Saturday  Night  Meeting — Rev.  Anthony 
Atwood — The  Young  People's  Meeting — Rev.  Jerome  Lindermuth — 
The  Writer  did  the  best  he  could  at  Night — Monday  Afternoon  and 
Night — The  Inquirer's  Kind  Notice — Tuesday  the  great  Battle 
was  foug-ht — Wednesday  night  fully  Dedicated — None  saved  till 
Saturday  night. 

TTOW  good  it  is  to  be  guided  by  Divine  Provi- 
dence?  *'Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  coun- 
sel." And  the  sweet  verse,  "  He  leadeth  me,"  is  a 
tower  of  strength  to  the  believer.  I  feel  glad  to  be 
confident  that  I  was  thus  led  into  the  great  Tent, 
Broad  and  Spring  Garden,  July  25th  1883.  I  vis- 
ited one  of  the  oldest  members  of  Sanctuary  M.  E. 
Church.  Yes,  the  very  oldest  that  day — a  soldier 
of  1812 — who  was  sick  in  Brandywine  street,  viz., 
Charles  P.  Broadwell,  who  has  recently  joined 
Sanctuary  by  certificate.  After  having  a  sweet 
season  of  song  and  prayer  with  him  and  his  excel- 
lent and  accomplished  daughter,  Miss  C.  J.  Broad- 
well,  who  delights  to  "honor  her  father  and 
mother,"  though  the  latter  loved  one  is  in  Heaven, 


28 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


I  was  led  into  the  Wigwam,  the  immense  Tent 
where  the  Australian  circus  and  Indian  show  had 
been  going  on  since  last  May;  but  for  want  of 
sufficient  patronage  the  exhibition  had  termi- 
nated, and  nearly  all  the  Indians  had  left  for 
other  parts. 

The  superintendent,  Dr.  Webster,  found  out  as  I 
looked  around  the  premises,  that  I  was  a  minister, 
and  held  connection  in  some  way  with  a  church, 
and  he  said,  "  This  Tent,  and  all  that  relates  to 
it,  will  be  sold  on  Tuesday,  July  31st  1883,  by  Mr. 
Thomas,  the  auctioneer,  unless  private  arrange- 
ments should  be  made  to  stop  the  sale.  There 
have  been  religious  parties  here  holding  meetings 
of  a  religious  character,  and  they  thought  of  pur- 
chasing, but  did  not,  for  reasons  b^st  known  to 
themselves,  consummate  the  work.  If  you  desire 
to  use  the  place  for  next  Sabbath — the  intervening 
Sabbath — you  are  welcome  to  it."  I  told  him  I 
would  report  to  him  at  an  early  day.  I  duly  laid 
the  subject  before  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Sanctu- 
ary M.  E.  Church,  and  thej^  said,  "We  cannot 
assume  any  responsibility  in  reference  to  expense. 
If  we  can  be  excused  from  that,  and  have  the  pulpit 
well  supplied,  we  will  not  object.''  This  I  told 
them  should  be  done;  and  I  hoped  to  benefit  and 
build  up  the  Trustees'  and  Stewards'  Fund,  to  some 
extent,  rather  than  deplete  them. 

On  Saturday  night  July  28th  1883,  we  held  our 
first  religious  service.  Everything  was  against 
us.  1st.  The  influence  of  the  exploded  show  was 
not  favorable.    2d.  Those  who  held  the  fort,  reli- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


29 


giously,  ill  an  Evangelistic  movement,  encountered 
much  opposition  and  persecution,  and  religion 
unjustly  was  brought  into  disrepute.  3d.  A  great 
many  people  think,  unfortunately,  that  the  day  is 
past,  now  that  we  have  so  many  Churches,  for  such 
bold  aggressive  steps.  All  these  things  were  against 
us.  The  congregation  did  not  number  over  fifty  ; 
but  Eev.  C.  F.  Turner,  Pastor  of  Nazareth  M.  E. 
Church,  delivered  a  stirring  address,  full  of  fire  of 
the  Pentecostal  stamp.  The  writer  did  the  best 
he  could  to  show  that  such  an  arrangement  was 
reasonable.  Scriptural,  Apostolic  and  Methodistic. 
The  singing  was  lively,  and  on  the  line  of  olden 
time;  the  collection  was  excellent,  and  paid  our 
expenses,  and  more  too.  The  writer  said  :  "  There 
are  a  thousand  things  about  Moody  and  Sankey 
that  won  my  heart,  when  those  glorious  Evan- 
gelists were  laboring  in  Philadelphia;  but  there  are 
two  things  that  I  dissented  from  ;  one  was  they 
were  not  willing  that  there  should  be  much  shout- 
ing. I  saw  a  lady  sung  down,  who  was  so  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost  she  had  to  '  Cry  out  and 
shout!'  The  other  point  was,  no  collections  were 
taken  up.  I  am  heartily  in  sympathy  with  a  holy 
shout  and  liberal  collections ;  they  both  do  good  to 
a  meeting.  These  are  two  important  planks  in  the 
platform  of  Salvation  I  hope  will  always  be  kept 
up  in  meetings  with  which  I  am  connected." 

The  first  Sabbath — and  we  supposed  it  would  be 
"  the  Alpha  and  Omega" — we  were  favored  with  an 
excellent  preacher  morning  and  afternoon.  At  lOJ 
Rev.  A.  Atwood,  the  oldest  minister  in  the  Phila- 


30 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


delphia  Conference,  preached  an  able  Gospel  ser- 
mon. While  I  listened  to  him,  I  felt  a  desire  that 
his  days  and  years  of  effectiveness  might  be  in- 
creased; for  even  now,  at  his  advanced  age,  who 
writes  more  vividly  on  topics  which  he  takes  in 
hand?    The  sermon  was  earnestly  delivered,  and 

.  clear  on  the  great  doctrine  of  sanctification,  which 
he  delights  to  spread  with  his  pen  and  with  his 
tongue ;  which  was  that  day  as  the  pen  of  a  ready 
writer.  We  made  him  a  life  member  of  Sanctuary 
^M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Sinkler,  of  Nazareth  M.  E. 
Church,  contributed  |5  in  gold.  This  much  en- 
couraged my  heart ;  I  felt  glad  to  see  so  valuable  a 
man  was  in  sympathy  with  us.  I  can  testify  that 
to  me,  all  through  my  ministerial  career,  I  have 
seen  much  good  "  come  out  of  Nazareth 

The  Nazareth  preacher,  Rev.  C.  P.  Turner,  effect- 
ively aided  me  in  the  Young  Peoples'  Meeting, 
which  was  held  before  Rev.  Jerome  Lindermuth 
preached,  at  SJ  p.  m.,  a  thrilling  gospel  sermon,  on  the 
"  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say  come,  &c."  This  fellow- 
laborer  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  is  ready,  and  always  has  been  through 
his  ministry,  to  enter  into  every  open  door  to  ele- 
vate humanity  and  win  souls !"  His  sermons, 
and  the  articles  which  he  occasionally  writes  for 
our  Church  papers,  do  not  give  an  uncertain  sound. 
He  is  a  strong  man  in  body  and  mind;  and  what- 

'  ever  Churches  are  favored  with  his  ministerial 
services,  will  prosper  under  his  energetic  ministry. 
I  am  happy  to  say,  both  the  minister  and"  his 
Church  (Asbury,  West  Philadelphia),  sympathize 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


31 


with  me  in  this  grand,  bold  effort  to  pull  .down 
the  strongholds  of  the  devil.  "By  their  fruits  ye 
shall  know  them." 

At  night  I  tried  to  preach  on  "  Caring  for  the 
neglected."  The  Congregation  by  this  time  had 
run  up  to  600  or  more ;  and  as  we  had  the  use  of 
the  Tent  until  Monday  night,  we  resolved  to  "  im- 
prove each  shining  hour ;"  and  the  meetings  in  the 
afternoon  and  night  were  full  of  interest  and 
promise. 

The  Philadelphia  Inquirer  kindly  published  an 
article  in  its  local  columns  on  Monday  July  30th. 
It  is  as  follows : 

AT  THE  TENT. 

INAUGURATION  OP  A  RELIGIOUS  MOVEMENT  AT  BROAD  AND  SPRING 
GARDEN  STREETS. 

Rev.  Andrew  Manship,  who  has  lately  been  officiating  at  Sanc- 
tuary Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  has  undertaken  a  new  religious 
movement  in  the  Tent  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden  streets.  Mr. 
Manship  has  always  been  successful  in  this  particular  line  of 
missionary  work.  Hedding  Church,  his  second  enterprise  of  the 
kind,  began  with  ministrations  in  a  Tent,  which  in  a  short  time 
was  superseded  by  the  once  well-known  Plank  Church,  then  by 
the  Brick  Building  on  Sixteenth  street  near  Fairmount  Avenue  ; 
and  now,  since  the  union  of  the  congregation  with  that  of  Trinity, 
by  thp  elegant  Stone  Church  on  Mount  Vernon  street.  Last 
week  Mr.  Manship' s  attention  was  directed  to  the  Tent  at  Broad 
and  Spring  Garden  streets,  where  some  Evangelists  had  already 
been  at  work,  but  without  very  great  success,  and  by  Saturday 
evening  everything  was  in  readiness  for  the  first  service,  at  which 
some  fifty  hearers  assembled. 

Rev.  C.  F.  Turner,  pastor  of  Nazareth  M.  E.  Church,  assisted 
Rev.  Mr.  Manship,  who  delivered  an  address  on  the  usefulness 


32 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


and  importance  of  Tent  services  as  an  adjunct  to  parish  work  5 
pointing  out  that  many  would  assemble  in  a  Tent  who  could  not 
be  induced  to  attend  Divine  service  in  Church  ;  and  relating  parts 
of  his  experience  in  Tent  work,  in  which  connection  he  gave  sev- 
eral interesting  incidents. 

Rev.  Mr.  Turner,  who  followed  in  an  earnest  address,  referred 
to  the  well-known  anecdote  of  Rev.  Lyman  Beecher's  preaching, 
on  one  occasion,  to  a  single  hearer,  who,  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  that  sermon,  became  eventually  a  useful  preacher 
of  the  Gospel. 

Yesterday  there  were  several  services  during  the  day.  Rev. 
A.  Atwood,  the  oldest  minister  in  the  Conference,  preached  to  a 
congregation  of  a  hundred  on  entire  consecration  to  the  Lord. 
Rev.  C.  F.  Turner  officiated  at  three,  Rev.  J.  Lindermuth  at 
four,  and  Rev.  A.  Manship  again  at  eight  p.  m.,  the  subject  of  his 
sermon  being,     Hope  for  the  neglected  and  outcast  ones  I'' 

Mr.  Manship  has  long  been  known  outside  of  his  denomina- 
tion, as  well  as  within  its  limits,  as  the  author  of  that  interesting 
work,  *'  Thirteen  Years  in  the  Itinerancy,"  in  which  the  story  of 
a  ministers  experience  is  told  with  a  quaintness  of  expression 
and  a  straightforward  simplicity,  which  will  give  to  the  work  an 
increasing  value  with  the  lapse  of  years. 

Services  will  be  held  in  the  Tent  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden 
streets,  at  three  p.  m.  to-day,  and  again  at  eight  o'clock  this  even- 
ing. Their  continuation  will  depend  upon  the  prospect  of  the 
good  to  be  accomplished  by  them;  but  there  is  some  talk  of  the 
purchase  of  the  Tent  for  revival  work,  both  in  its  present  situ- 
ation and  elsewhere.  Should  this  be  done,  due  notice  will  be 
given  of  future  gatherings. 

Monday  night,  the  gentleman  who  owned  the 
tent,  Mr.  Fred.  Liibin,  of  New  York,  a  kind-hearted, 
liberal-minded  Jew,  whom  I  met  in  this  city  a 
few  days  before,  and  found  much  of  a  gentleman, 
sent  on  his  attorney,  Mr.  Gladding,  and  I  must 
say  with  him  I  was  much  pleased.  He  attended 
our  Monday  night  meeting ;  I  really  did  not  know 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


83 


he  was  in  the  meeting,  and  I  am  glad  I  did  not, 
for  I  might  have  been  restrained  somewhat  by  the 
presence  of  this  New  York  attorney.  I  am  so  glad 
to  think  he  was  pleased  with  our  zeal  and  fervor, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  we  had  an  interview 
and  he  said :  Our  conviction  is,  you  can  and  you 
ought  to  buy  the  tent ;  if  it  so  strikes  you,  I  am  au- 
thorized to  stop  the  sale  to-morrow  morning,  and 
close  up  the  business  with  your  people  on  the  following 
terras :  Price  $300 ;  terms,  $100  cash  to-morrow, 
the  31st  of  July ;  $100  in  thirty,  and  $100  in  sixty 
days."  It  required  faith  in  God  to  hold  out  to  him 
the  idea  we  would  accept.  This  we  did  as  soon  as 
we  ascertained  that  we  could  occupy  the  ground, 
and  right  away  on  the  spot  go  forward  with  the 
religious  services.  Notwithstanding  the  lessee  of 
the  ground  was  a  Roman  Catholic  gentleman,  I 
shall  have  occasion  to  refer  to  him  again  in  the 
kindest  manner.  This  point  gained,  which  was  an 
important  one,  we  took  the  responsibility,  and 
arranged  to  pay  $100  at  3  o'clock  on  Tuesday,  July 
31st  1883. 

Monday  night  after  this  bold  step  was  taken 
almost  single-handed  and  alone,  except,  "  Lo,  I  am 
with  you  always,  &c.,"  we  met  our  official  Sanctuary 
Boards,  and  paid  over  to  them,  after  paying  our 
expenses  up  to  the  close  of  the  Monday  night  meet- 
ing, something  over  $20.  We  felt  very  grateful  to 
the  Head  of  the  Church.  Tuesday  morning  by 
sunrise  I  was  up  and  doing ;  took  no  dinner  that 
day;  penetrated  into  different  parts  of  the  city, 
wherever  I  thought  I  had  a  friend.  I  was  at  one 
3 


34 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


place  where  I  was  hopeful,  but  failed.  The  party 
showed  me  kindness  by  offering  fruit  and  preserves; 
but  that  to  me  just  then  was  "  vexation  of  spirit.'' 
I  wanted  fruit  unto  Holiness,  that  the  end  might 
be  everlasting  life."  The  bent  of  my  mind  was  not 
to  eat  preserves,  but  to  do  what  I  could  to  put  up 
and  preserve  this  grand  arrangement  "  to  them  that 
are  sanctified  by  God  the  Father,  and  preserved  in 
Jesus  Christ.''  Just  then  every  earthly  luxury  was 
insipid;  and  I  had  to  say  to  that  splendid  lady 
friend,  "  Lo,  onward  I  move !"  She  bid  me  God 
speed. 

The  hour  of  3  o'clock  came,  and  I  met  Mr.  - 
Gladding,  the  attorney,  and  had  to  tell  him  two 
things :  1st.  I  only  had  $60.  2d.  I  have  a  funeral 
at  3|  at  Columbia  Avenue  near  Twentieth  street, 
and  another  at  Ulrick  street  above  Fairmount 
Avenue,  between  Fourth  and  Fifth,  at  4J  p.  m.; 
I  must  be  excused ;  I  have  done  all  I  could ;  if, 
however,  God  wants  me  to  occupy  this  field,  He 
will  provide  the  means.  If  you  choose  to  have 
another  meeting  at  6  p.  m.,  I  will  meet  you  here  after 
I  am  through  with  the  funerals.  I  did  my  duty 
faithfully  at  both  funerals,  and  did 

Awhile  forget  ray  griefe  and  fears," 

and  at  6  p.  m.  I  was  at  my  post  at  the  office  of  the 
Great  Wigwam.  Now  I  want  the  reader  to  closely 
observe  the  Providence  and  approbation  of  God, 
who  I  have  tried  in  a  weak  way  to  serve  "  from  my 
youth  up."  As  I  entered  the  office  a  worldly  man 
slipped  into  my  hands  $40,  and  said,  "  I  will  not 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


35 


need  it  till  August  15th;  go  forward  with  your 
workT' 

I  thought  I  had,  as  before  stated,  $60,  but  it  was 
only  $55 ;  and  at  the  decisive  moment  an  old  Epis- 
copalian friend  came  in  and  handed  me  $5,  making 
the  $100.  Then  when  the  notes  had  to  be  endorsed, 
it  really  appeared  singular  that  Providence  led 
another  non-professor  to  step  forward  unasked  to  en- 
dorse them.  This  gentleman  I  baptized  when  a  child, 
married  him  to  his  excellent  wife,  now  in  Heaven, 
and  recently  spoke  at  the  funeral  of  his  valuable 
mother.  May  he  be  blessed  in  his  deed.  The  two 
gentlemen  were  Dr.  Webster  and  George  W.  Camp- 
bell, Esq. ;  the  first-named  friend  furnished  the  $40 
as  a  temporary  loan,  and  the  latter  endorsed  the 
notes.  I  am  happy  to  say,  by  God's  blessing,  we 
returned  the  borrowed  money  on  the  15th  of 
August,  and  paid  the  notes  on  maturity,  without 
taxing  our  dear,  kind  friend,  Mr.  Campbell,  to  the 
extent  of  a  dollar  for  the  notes.    T  could  say — 

*'  The  great  transaction's  done  ; 
I  am  the  Lord's,  and  He  is  mine.'* 

And  as  we  were  weary  and  heavily  laden, 
prudence  led  us  not  to  arrange  for  service  on 
Tuesday,  for  our  hands,  heads  and  hearts  were 
full;  and  as  an  old  writer  said,  we  "Had  a  good 
many  irons  in  the  fire,  tongs,  poker  and  all;"  so 
we  dispensed  with  the  idea  of  services  till  Wed- 
nesday night,  when  we  commenced  in  good  earnest 
the  work  of  faith,  and  labor  of  love ;  having  pur- 
chased all  appertaining,  not  only  the  Tent,  but 
lumber,  offices  and  beds  that  had  been  used  by  the 


36 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Indians,  and  nearly,  if  not  quite  a  hundred  flags  of 
all  nations.  We  took  down  the  former  show, 
Indian  circus  sign,  and  had  neatly  executed  on 
oil-cloth  material,  with  hinges  at  top  and  spread  out 
at  the  bottom,  on  both  sides  the  following  bulletin, 
that,  perhaps,  during  the  campaign,  was  read  by 
50,000  people,  as  follows : 

Gospel  services  in  this  Tent  every  day  at  3  and 
8  p.  M. 

"  The  Kingdoms  of  this  world  have  become  the 
Kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  his  Christ,  and  He 
shall  reign  forever  and  ever! 

"  Services  in  charge  of  Rev.  A.  Manship,  sup- 
plying, temporarily.  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church,  Fifth 
below  Girard  Avenue. 

"  All  denominations  of  Christians,  both  ministers 
and  laymen,  are  invited  to  take  part  1  ^  The  poor 
have  the  Gospel  preached  unto  them.'  Welcome  to 
all 

All  classes  came,  more  or  less;  a  few  Indians, 
colored  people,  Protestants  and  Roman  Catholics, 
high  and  low.  Some  specimens  of  down-trodden 
humanity,  young  and  old:  "My  house  shall  be 
called  a  house  of  prayer  for  all  people!"  The  Sa- 
viour "  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but  sinners,  to 
repentance !''  Quite  a  number  took  the  temperance 
pledge — one  female  amongst  the  rest.  But  my 
readers  will  perceive,  by  reading  the  succeeding 
chapter,  it  was  not  till  Saturday,  the  4th  of  August, 
that  any  one  sought  and  found  the  Saviour.  But 
our  faith  was  strong  that  there  would  be  "More 
and  more  to  follow." 


OF  GOSPEL  TESfTS 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  first  Con  rert — Several  take  the  Pledge — An  interesting  Letter — 
Our  object  to  benefit  the  Churches — All  classes  attend — Laborious 
day — Young  McAllister — Kind  notice  by  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer 
— Kev.  Mr.  Kurtz — Anecdote  forty  years  ago — John  Huggins,  the 
Poet — Colored  Clergymen  helping  us — Brooklyn  Evangelist — Two 
remarkable  Funerals  the  9th  of  August — Death  of  Harry  Smitten — 
The  results  of  the  Labors  of  30th  November  1882 — Great  Children's 
Meeting — Praise  to  Tract  Societies — Took  several  to  Sanctuary— 
A  glorious  Union  Meeting — Eev.  James  Morrow,  D.D. — Endorse- 
ment by  the  Populace — The  Doxology  was  sung — Rev.  J.  R.  Mer- 
rell's  Eaith  increases — Rev.  J.  Y.  Ashton — Rev.  Mr.  Young — A 
thrilling  Conversion — Kindness  the  best — Two  Colored  Men  singing 
with  their  Children — Ethiopia  stretches  out  her  hands — Great  events 
to  follow — The  Ledger's  Editorial — Refrain  from  these  Men. 

QUITE  earnestly  did  we  labor  without  seeing  any 
one  converted  until  Saturday  evening,  August 
4tli  1883,  at  which  time  one  gentleman  who  had 
the  day  before  signed  the  pledge,  and  who  had 
always  been  an  infidel,  as  he  told  me,  professed  to 
be  saved,  and  his  wife  also.  I  found  him-  on  Sab- 
bath morning,  the  5th  of  August,  at  Sanctuary  M. 
E.  Church  ;  he  heard  me  preach  on  "I  am  doing  a 
great  work,"  &c.,  and  was  baptized  and  joined  the 
Church  on  probation.  He  is  a  sweet  singer ;  it  is 
to  be  hoped  he  will  now  sing  for  Jesus,  and  in  the 
glorious  kingdom  when  our  work  is  done  on  earth 
sing  the  new  song.  In  Heaven,  we  poor  sinful,  but 
redeemed  mortals,  will  outsing,  if  faithful,  the 


38 


A  BRIEF  HISTOSl^ 


Angels,  "  to  Him  that  hath  loved  us,  and  wash^ 
us  in  his  own  precious  blood."  I  have  visited  this 
family  at  their  neat  little  home,  and  prayed  with 
them.  "  It  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall 
be.  But  he  that  thinketh  he  standeth,  let  him  take 
heed  lest  he  fall." 

On  the  4th  of  August  several  joined  the  Temper- 
ance army ;  I  had  no  printed  pledges,  but  a  written 
one  was  just  as  good,  and  an  impromptu  .pledge 
just  as  binding.  One  female  among  the  rest 
joined  ;  she  also  knelt  for  prayer.  It  is  hard  for  a 
confirmed  drunkard  to  reform;  I  always  recom- 
mend them  to  go  to  ''Jesus  for  the  cleansing 
power;"  Jesus  will  help  them;  if  they  will  cast 
their  burden  on  the  Lord  "He  will  carry  them 
through."  Who  will  gainsay  a  Saturday  night 
meeting  if  it  saves  "  a  poor  sinner,"  such  as  I  have 
described  ? 

I  received  this  touching  letter  on  Saturday,  the 
4th  of  August  1883.    It  speaks  for  itself: 

Philadelphia,  August  4th  1883. 

Kev.  Mr.  Manship: 

Dear  Sib:  While  passing  down  Broad  street  Friday 
evening,  the  singing  within  the  Tent  attracting  my  attention  ; 
something  within  me  directed  me  to  enter.  It  was  late  when  I 
entered,  and  you  were  speaking,  and  what  you  said  has  greatly 
affected  me. 

I'm  a  young  married  man ;  had  a  very  nice  situation  in  the 
wholesale  liquor  and  wine  business,  which  I  held  for  five  or  six 
years  ;  but  fate  it  seems,  and  other  trouble,  drove  me  to  take  a 
little  too  much,  and,  finally,  I  lost  my  position.  I  hold  a  good 
recommendation,  but  when  I  make  application  for  a  position  else- 
where, the  first  question  asked  is,  why  you  left  your  last  place  j 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


39 


of  course,  telling  the  truth,  why  discharged  ;  the  answer  is,  if  I'm 
not  suited,  I'll  let  you  know.  This  worried  me  so  to  think  that 
I  met  with  so  much  opposition,  and  drank  more  and  more  ;  and, 
finally,  I  sold  all  my  household  goods,  and  my  wife  and  I  sepa- 
rated, and  I  have  been  wretched  ever  since.  All  I  ask  of  you, 
good  folks,  is  to  pray  for  me,  and  implore  Almighty  God  to  im- 
press in  my  heart  his  love,  that  I  may  have  faith  that  he  will 
restore  back  to  me  my  home,  and  wife  and  his  company,  and  I'll 
know  all  the  rest  will  follow. 

I  felt  like  standing  up  last  night,  but  it  seemed  my  spirits 
failed  me  ;  but  I  intend  to  attend  all  your  meetings,  and  I  hope, 
with  the  help  of  God,  before  they  close,  that  I  may  explain  to 
the  young  men  my  false  steps. 

I  close.  I'm  ashamed  to  give  my  name  at  present ;  but  hoping 
you  will  pray  for  me, 

I  remain  yours,  &c., 

An  Unfortunate. 

The  reader  will  perceive  on  the  5th  we  did  not 
occupy  the  Tent  for  the  morning  service.  We  did 
the  first  Sunday,  because  we  thought  that  would  be 
the  only  day  we  should  be  there;  but  when  we 
found  that  Providence  was  opening  our  way  for 
a  continuance  for  a  longer  time,  our  sense  of  pro- 
priety led  us  to  urge  all  to  attend  their  morning 
services ;  and  our  main  object  was  to  reach  the 
non-church  going  people  who  would  be  more  apt 
to  attend  in  the  afternoon,  and  especially,  at  night. 
Our  aim  was  not  to  injure  but  benefit  the  churches 
all  around,  and  especially  to  build  up  Sanctuary 
in  every  sense  of  the  word.  How  grandly  did  Rev. 
Sylvester  M.  Chew,  pastor  of  the  Twentieth  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  preach  on,  "  Why  sit  we  here  till  we 
die?"  at  4  p.  m.,  Sunday,  5th  of  August.  Never 
did  God  help  him  more.    His  ministerial  look,  and 


40 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


his  earnest  manner,  and  his  "tongue  being  as  the 
pen  of  a  ready  writer."  Yes,  that  day,  as  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Arthur,  the  great  Wesleyan  English  preacher, 
says,  so  I  might  say  of  that  slim,  angelic-looking 
man  of  God,  he  had  "  a  tongue  of  fire,"  the  word 
"ran  like  fire  in  dry  stubble,"  and  brought  down  the 
Power  of  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  he  spoke  burn- 
ing words  that  led  us  to  bestir  ourselves. 

At  night  the  writer  tried  to  preach  to  a  great  mass 
of  people,  from  "  He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth, 
bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again 
rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him."  In  that 
congregation  tiiere  were  many  barefooted  children, 
women  without  bonnets  on  their  heads,  and  men  in 
their  shirt  sleeves ;  and  I  saw  at  the  same  time  an 
honorable  gentleman  that  I  had  seen  sitting  as  a 
judge  of  the  court  in  this  city ;  I  saw  a  military 
gentleman  that  I  had  seen  at  the  head  of  his  regi- 
ment, marching  to  the  front  to  do  battle  for  his 
country;  "my  house  shall  be  called  a  house  of 
prayer  for  all  people."  At  the  close  of  our  feeble 
eff'orts,  the  choir  sung  and  played  on  the  instru- 
ment the  piece,  "  Come  again  rejoicing,  bringing  in 
the  sheaves,"  with  wonderful  efi'ect  on  all  present. 
This  was  a  very  laborious  day  for  me.  I  was  called 
out  of  the  3  p.  M.  Evangelical  Alliance  meeting 
(which,  among  others,  was  addressed  very  sweetly 
by  Mr.  McAllister,  a  young  Irish  layman,  not  long 
in  this  country),  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  noble 
soldier  of  the  late  war  in  Whitehall  street,  not  far, 
however,  from  the  great  Tent.  His  comrades  of  the 
Army  of  the  Republic  buried  him  with  the  honors 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


41 


of  war.  Just  as  I  returned  my  young  Irish  friend 
closed.  I  heard  kind  words  spoken  of  his  effort. 
May  the  Head  of  the  Church  open  his  way  to  great 
usefulness  in  his  adopted  country.  I  am  happy  to 
say  this  young  man  has  since  joined  the  Sanctuary 
M.  E.  Church.  This  is  the  first  church  he  entered 
in  America. 

On  Monday  evening,  August  the  6th,  my  old 
fellow-itinerant  in  the  days  of  other  years,  Rev.  M. 
D.  Kurtz,  now  pastor  of  that  model  church,  Union 
M.  E.  Church,  where  the  General  Conference  was 
held  in  1864,  preached  a  sermon  that  did  his  head 
and  heart  great  credit.  He  seemed  to  have  the  fire 
and  vivacity  of  youth.  He  is  spoken  of  and  the 
meeting,  in  the  following  article  cut  from  the  Phila- 
delphia Inquirer  of  the  7th  of  August : 

THE  TENT. 

REVIVAL  SERVICES  GOING  ON. 

Mention  was  made  last  week  of  the  eflScient  work  done  by  Rev. 
Andrew  Manship,  now  in  charge  of  Sanctuary  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  in  holding  Tent  meetings,  and  especially  of  the  new  enter- 
prise undertaken  by  him  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden  streets.  In 
that  connection  it  is  gratifying  to  be  able  to  announce  that  the 
Tent  in  which  the  revival  work  was  commenced  has  been  secured 
for  religious  service,  at  least  till  the  15th  of  August,  under  Rev. 
Mr.  Manship's  direction.  This  new  departure  was  inaugurated  on 
the  evening  of  July  28th,  and  the  congregation  has  been  steadily 
increasing  and  the  interest  widening,  until,  last  Sunday  night, 
from  one  thousand  to  twelve  hundred  were  in  attendance.  The 
congregation  then  assembled,  included  many  non-churchgoing 
persons;  and  while  many  of  the  rough  element  was  present, 
the  gathering  also  comprehended  a  large  representation  of  the 
respectable  classes  of  the  community.    Perfect  order  was  main* 


42 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


tained  throughout,  and  the  sermons  preached  produced  an  evident 
impression  upon  the  listeners. 

Mr.  Manship  preached  in  the  morning  of  Sunday  last  in  his 
own  pulpit,  administering  the  sacraments  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
and  baptism,  the  latter  to  a  gentleman  who  was  converted  in  the 
Tent  on  the  evening  of  the  previous  day,  and  whose  wife  has  also 
professed  faith  in  Christ.  Sanctuary  Church  was  closed  for  the 
afternoon  and  evening  service,  and  the  congregation  adjourned  to 
the  Tent.  In  the  afternoon  there  was  an  attendance  of  eight 
hundred,  to  whom  Rev.  Mr.  Chew,  of  the  Twentieth  Street  M.  E. 
Church,  preached  an  able  sermon.  Rev.  Mr.  Manship  preached 
in  the  evening,  the  Choir  of  Sanctuary  Church  assisting  in  the 
service  of  song.  Last  night  a  powerful  sermon  was  preached  by 
Rev.  M.  D.  Kurtz,  of  Union  M.  E.  Church,  and  services  will  be 
continued  every  evening  this  week. 

I  will  give  my  readers  an  anecdote  relating  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Kurtz  which  occurred  nearly  forty  years 
ago,  so  it  will  be  seen  Mr.  Kurtz  and  myself  are  not 
of  the  young  brood  of  ministers,  and  yet,  probably, 
quite  as  active  and  "abundant  in  labors"  as  the 
most  of  them,  and,  perhaps,  understand  the  art  of 
soul-saving  as  well  as  the  most  of  them,  and  I  hesi- 
tate not  to  say  Union  M.  E.  Church  not  only  honors 
Michael  D.  Kurtz  in  having  him  as  her  pastor,  but 
honors  herself  and  shows  her  good  sense  in  not 
getting  the  mania  for  young  men  all  together.  But 
to  the  anecdote :  Rev.  N.  Ridgley,  long  since  gone 
to  his  reward  in  Heaven,  and  myself  were  helping 
Brother  Kurtz  with  a  Protracted  Meeting  in  Easton^ 
Maryland,  where  he  was  then  pastor,  an  appoint- 
ment of  honor  and  responsibility.  It  so  hap- 
pened while  Brother  Ridgley,  of  precious  memory, 
preached,  a  youth  fell  asleep  and  fell  from  the  pew 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


4S 


with  a  considerable  crash,  and  cried  out  in  dismay 
and  fright  for  help.  In  the  next  service,  the  writer 
was  considerably  excited,  and  in  some  of  his  gesticu- 
lations and  ^'smiting  with  his  hand  and  stamping 
with  his  foot,"  the  pitcher  of  water  was  capsized, 
and  the  pitcher  broken  into  fragments.  My  readers 
can  imagine  the  effect  on  the  audience ;  and  Brother 
Kurtz,  full  of  humor,  wit  and  fire,  said  in  private 
(he  was  too  prudent  to  say  it  in  public)  circles:  "I 
have  two  very  powerful  preachers  assisting  me,  I  cer- 
tainly cannot  fail  to  succeed:  my  friend.  Brother 
Ridgely,  preached  so  powerfully  that  he  knocked 
off  of  the  bench  a  youth,  and  he  fell  at  full  length  ; 
and  my  zealous  Brother  Manship  was  so  full 
of  power  and  spiritual  strength  that  he  smashed 
the  pitcher."  After  all,  this  is  somewhat  scriptural, 
and  reminds  one  of  Gideon:  "And  they  blew  the 
trumpets  and  break  the  pitchers  that  were  in  their 
hands ;  and  they  cried,  the  sword  of  the  Lord  and 
of  Gideon !"  What  signs  and  wonders  followed.  So 
it  will  ever  be  in  the  Church  in  routing  her 
enemies ;  and  we  shall  go  on  from  "  conquering 
and  to  conquer,"  if  we  have  the  spirit  of  Gideon 
and  his  heroic  band,  and  "inquire  for  the  old  paths 
the  good  way,  and  walk  therein." 

I  was  much  struck  with  the  attention  paid  to 
everything  that  was  going  on  in  the  Tent  by  a  Httle 
aged  Irishman.  He  was  at  all  the  services,  day 
and  night.  Though  not  a  Methodist  he  seemed  so 
much  pleased.  The  longer  I  live  the  less  sectarian 
I  am  becoming.  "How  good  and  how  pleasant 
a  thing  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in 


44 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


unity!"  I  was  so  sorry  to  lose  my  little  Irish 
gentleman  out  of  the  congregation — he  was  called 
away  from  the  city.  He  sent  me  the  following 
letter  before  he  went,  which,  with  his  poetic  effusion^ 
make  up  to  some  extent  for  his  absence: 

Philadelphia,  August  4th  1883. 

Dear  Sir  and  Brother  in  the  Faith  : 

No  doubt  you  will  think  it  strange  in  me  sending  such  a 
document  to  you  as  the  following,  but  I  hope  to  be  forgiven  the 
liberty  taken.  I  regret  having  to  leave  the  city  for  a  few  days, 
thereby  losing  your  profitable  exhortations. 

I  composed  the  following  few  lines  a  short  time  since  for  self- 
application  ;  it  is  a  pretty  good  picture  of  my  mind,  and  I  can 
say  that  I  have  not  lost  sight  of  the  Blessed  Saviour  during  the 
last  fifty  years,  and  I  do  believe  he  never  lost  sight  of  me.  I  find 
that  all  is  well  with  me.  I  do  see  the  road  clear  and  straight 
before  me,  guided  by  that  compass  that  never  errs,  Jesus  Christ, 
the  only  mediator.  This  is  from  the  old  Irishman  that  has  been 
so  much  edified  by  your  exhortations  in  the  Tent  Meetings.  I 
pray  the  Lord  prosper  all  your  efi"orts  for  good. 

INDICATIONS  OF  THE  COMING  DAY. 

My  sun  is  setting  in  the  west, 

It's  gUmmering  light  I  see  ; 
Its  daily  fading  from  my  view, 

A  warning  unto  me. 

Time  passes  on  and  does  its  work, 
And  in  its  haste  makes  no  delay ; 

It  harries  us  from  youth  to  age, 
And  then  we  pass  away. 

Our  fleeting  days  are  numbered  all,' 
When  they're  fulfilled  we  must  obey ; 

And  as  the  Lord  to  Adam  said. 
Return  to  our  mother  clay. 


0 

OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


45 


Still  I  am  living  through  God's  mercy, 

After  seventy  years  and  nine  ; 
Still  sustained  by  Him  whose  kindness, 
Followed  me  since  ere  I  mind. 

I  wait  and  hope  with  full  assurance, 

Believing  that  the  time  is  near, 
That  will  bring  the  promised  blessings. 

When  the  Saviour  does  appear. 

Time  brings  the  autumn  of  our  lives. 
The  leaves  grow  dry  and  withered  all ; 

The  tree  is  rotten  at  the  root. 
And  soon  will  be  the  fall. 

To  God  I  cheerfully  submit, 
To  Him  my  breath  resign  ; 
\  His  wisdom  worketh  out  what's  best, 

And  why  should  I  repine  ? 

Jordan^s  stream  I  soon  may  cross, 

Like  all  that's  gone  before  ; 
My  guide  has  promised  to  conduct, 

And  bring  me  safely  o'er. 

All  things  he  will  restore  again, 

As  they  had  been  of  old  ; 
And  all  the  scattered  flock  of  Christ, 

He'll  gather  to  his  fold. 

Eye  hath  not  seen  nor  ear  heard, 

Nor  hath  it  entered  in 
The  heart  of  man  to  conceive, 

The  joys  in  store  for  him.  Amen. 

John  Huggins, 
531  N.  15th  Street. 

Glad  he  returned,  and  he  has  been  with  me 
all  the  time.  I  have  shared  in  his  hospitalities; 
and  I  have  said  to-him,  pleasantly,  "as  your  name 


46 


% 

A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


indicates,  let  us  frequently  have  good  religious  fra- 
ternal huggings,  if  we  do  not  salute  each  other 
with  a  holy  kiss,  as  directed  by  Paul." 

As  we  have  had  a  large  number  of  colored  per- 
sons attending  the  Tent  services,  I  endeavored  to 
call  in  some  clergymen  of  that  race  (now  import- 
ant citizens  amongst  us).  I  have  had  Rev.  Mr. 
Robinson,  an  ordained  minister  from  the  South, 
to  lead  in  prayer,  and  Rev.  Moses  Osborn,  a  local 
preacher  from  John  Wesley  M.  E.  Church,  of  this 
city,  and  was  to  have  been  favored  with  a  sermon 
by  Rev.  Mr.  White,  Presiding  Elder  in  the  Dela- 
ware M.  E.  Conference,  on  the  9th  inst.,  but  he  was 
taken  sick.  How  opportunely  Rev.  Dr.  Surgison 
came  in,  and  how  nobly  he  preached  on  the  spur 
of  the  moment.  The  sermon  was  not  inferior  to 
any  yet  delivered  in  the  Tent.  One  has  said,  "  A 
minister  ought  always  to  be  ready  for  two  things, 
1st.  Ready  to  preach  ;  2d.  Ready  to  die." 

We  gathered  from  the  remarks  of  this  grand 
orator  that  he  had  been  an  infidel,  and  through  a 
mother's  love  and  a  mother's  prayers,  had  been 
gloriously  converted.  He  is  the  pastor  of  the  Sec- 
ond Advent  Church,  located  on  Seventh  below 
Poplar,  Philadelphia.  He  preached  a  soul-winning 
and  soul-saving  doctrine,  and  I  said  to  myself,  the 
word  preached  would  not  fail  to  be  the  power  of 
God  unto  salvation,  and  would  help  gloriously  to 
hasten  on  the  reign  of  Christ,  when  we  could  all 
sing : 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


47 


**  Shout  ye  tongues  of  every  nation, 
To  the  bounds  of  the  creation  ; 
Shout  the  praise  ot  Judah's  Lion, 
The  Almighty  Prince  of  Zion. 

Jesus  reigns,  Jesus  reigns,  Jesus  reigns, 
Jesus  reigns,  He  reigns  victorious  I 
Over  Heaven  and  earth  most  glorious  I 
Jesus  reigns,  Jesus  reigns,  Jesus  reigns." 

From  my  heart  I  pray,  hasten  the  day  when  He 
shall  reign  triumphant  here,  and  sway  a  universal 
sceptre. 

The  Brooklyn  street  preacher  who  has  been  sent 
on  to  assist  Rev.  Mr.  CuUis,  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
city,  with  his  Evangelistic  work,  as  I  understand, 
did  nobly  exhort  after  Rev.  Dr.  Surgison,  in  an 
impromptu  way.  He  is  a  hale,  robust  young  man, 
reached  by  the  labors  of  Mr.  Moody.  He  spoke  of 
himself  as  having  been  a  confirmed  infidel  and 
vagabond,  and  by  dissipation  and  prodigality 
brought  down  to  the  greatest  degradation ;  but 
Christ  had  saved  him,  and  now  he  was  telling  to 
others  "how  He  saved  a  poor  sinner  like  me."  Such 
experiences  overthrow  infidelity.  We  hoped  to 
have  had  him  the  next  afternoon,  and  so  announced, 
but  for  some,  no  doubt,  good  reason,  he  did  not 
come.  He  made  a  good  impression  on  the  people 
who  listened  to  him ;  he  has  been  very  useful  in 
Brooklyn  ;  no  doubt  he  will  be  wherever  he  goes, 
telling  the  "  old,  old  story  of  Jesus  and  his  love." 

What  a  laborious  day  the  9th  of  August  w^as, 
and  yet  "  labor  was  rest."  That  day,  in  addition 
to  the  labors  which  devolved  upon  me  in  the  Tent, 


48 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


I  had  two  remarkable  funerals  to  attend.  The  first 
at  IJ  p.  M.,  though  a  small  funeral,  was  deeply 
solemn,  on  Brown  street  near  Tenth.  The  lady- 
was  a  Roman  Catholic;  she  had  had  a  liberal  educa- 
tion ;  her  husband,  who  seemed  so  deeply  to  feel 
her  loss,  was  not  a  member  of  any  Church ;  he  was 
intimately  connected  with  one  of  my  Tent  com- 
mittee-men, Captain  N.  Auble,  and  in  this  way  I 
was  called  upon  to  attend  the  funeral.  From  there 
I  went  direct  to  attend,  on  Girard  Avenue  near 
Eighth  street,  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Fiss,  the  unfortu- 
nate gentleman  who  was,  it  is  said,  struck  fatally 
recently,  by  his  keeper,  in  the  Insane  Institution  at 
Norristown.  This  was  an  immense  funeral.  He 
was  connected  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Repub- 
lic, and  a  number  of  other  societies.  He  was  a 
noble-looking  man  as  he  lay  dead,  dressed  in  uni- 
form, in  his  coffin.  I  tried  to  do  my  duty  fearlessly, 
with  a  body  of  police  and  soldiers  around  me.  It 
was  an  exciting  occasion,  but  I  believe  good  was 
done.  Since  the  funeral  I  have  visited  Mrs.  Fiss, 
the  widow,  and  prayed  with  her,  and  found  she  and 
her  sisters  had  been  associated  with  me  in  the 
Sabbath  School,  while  I  was  pastor  the  last  time 
of  Hedding  M.  E.  Church,  corner  of  Sixteenth  and 
Fairmount  Avenue.  I  urged  her  to  cast  her  care 
on  Jesus.  I  told  her  to  think  of  "  what  a  Friend  we 
have  in  Jesus!''  The  gospel  is  a  panacea  for  all 
the  ills  and  misfortunes  of  life. 

*  *  Here  bring  your  wounded  heart, 
Here  tell  your  anguish  ; 
Earth  has  no  sorrow- 
That  Heaven  cannot  heal," 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


49 


It  occurs  to  me,  ministers  ought  eagerly  to  accept 
invitations  to  attend  and  speak  for  Christ  at  all  the 
funerals  they  can.    Speak  to  the  living. 

We  can  make  impressions  then  that  we  cannot 
at  any  other  time.  I  have  done  this  work  to  a  large 
extent  all  through  my  long  ministry.  From  this 
field  in  the  great  harvest,  I  e^fpect  to  bring  many 
sheaves  with  me.  ^ 

At  the  close  of  this  busy  week,  on  Saturday  night, 
the  11th  of  August,  after  listening  to  a  grand  dis- 
course from  Rev.  Dr.  Hastings,  from  Boston,  which 
the  people  duly  appreciated,  I  had  heard  during 
the  day  that  my  little  friend  Harry  Smitten  was 
dead !  I  felt,  though  jaded  and  worn  down,  I  must 
go  and  comfort  his  parents.  I  asked  Mr.  Frank 
Morris,  a  young  trustee  of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church, 
and  with  me  cordially  in  my  Tent  work  and  every 
good  thing,  to  go  along.  When  we  reached  Harry's 
home,  at  2522  Marshall  street,  it  was  between  11 
and  12  o'clock  at  night,  but  we  received  a  cordial 
welcome  from  his  bereaved  parents.  Some  five  or 
six  years  ago  I  attended  the  funeral  of  another  one 
of  their  little  boys ;  now  Harry  is  called  home, 
their  last  son. 

Mr.  Smitten  invited  me  to  dine  with  him  on  the 
last  Sabbath  in  November  1882.  It  was  a  stormy 
day,  but  a  bright  one  to  my  soul — perfect  sunshine. 
How  glad  I  am  I  succeeded  in  getting  Mr.  Smitten, 
with  Harry,  to  accompany  me  to  Sanctuary  Church, 
where  we  induced  both  father  and  boy  to  enrol 
themselves  as  Sunday  School  scholars  and  Christian 
workers ;  both  kneeling  in  the  afternoon  service 
4 


50 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


after  Sunday  School  was  over,  in  the  main  body 
of  the  Church  at  the  mercy  seat,  or  to  be  still 
plainer,  at  the  altar,  and  since  which  time  have 
"  stood  up  for  Jesus."  We  prayed  with  the  family 
at  midnight — how  solemn  is  midnight — both  myself 
and  Brother  Morris,  and  engaged  to  attend  dear 
little  Harry's  funeral,  on  Tuesday,  at  3  p.  m.,  the 
14th  of  August,  which  was  faithfully  carried  out, 
Edw.  Cline,  Esq.,  Superintendent  of  Sanctuary  Sun- 
day School  assisting  me.  Though  Harry  was  not 
quite  ten  years  old  he  faithfullj^  trusted  in  Jesus,  and 
heroically  met  death  and  conquered  the  King  of 
Terrors,  and  now  this  is  another  link  in  the  chain  of 
love  to  bind  the  hearts  of  his  parents  to  the  throne 
of  God. 

Parents  and  children  there  shall  meet,  and  meet  to  part  no  more." 

At  subsequent  meetings  in  the  Tent,  his  bereaved 
mother  bowed  in  prayer,  and  earnestly  sought  the 
Saviour,  bent  on  joining  her  children  over  there. 
Always  when  God  sorely  afflicts  He  has  some  noble 
end  to  subserve. 

The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 
But  sweet  will  be  the  flower.'* 

The  Sabbath,  August  the  12th,  was  bright  and 
fair.  We  had  a  childrens'  meeting  at  9  A.  m.  Rev. 
C.  F.  Turner  led  the  meeting,  and  won  the  hearts 
of  the  little  ones,  who  could  quite  truthfully  say, 
heretofore,  to  a  great  extent,  "  No  man  cared  for  my 
soul!"  We  had  procured  beautiful  cards  with 
mottoes ;  some  from  the  Protestant  Episcopal  book 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


51 


store ;  some  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  book 
store ;  some  from  the  Orthodox  Quaker  book  store. 
Be  it  spoken  to  the  praise  of  those  organizations 
there  was  no  stint  on  their  part,  and  freely  did  they 
bestow  on  us  the  leaves  shaken  from  the  tree  of  life 
for  the  healing  of  the  nations,  in  the  shape  of  tracts 
and  the  fly  sheets  of  salvation. 

We  adjourned  our  childrens'  meeting,  and  re- 
paired to  our  different  churches  for  public  service 
at  lOJ  A.  M.  I  took  with  me  to  Sanctuary  several  per- 
sons from  the  Tent,  and  amongst  the  rest  an  aged 
man  of  sixty-five,  for  whom  I  feel  a  deep  interest. 
I  found  him  very  honorable,  refusing  to  receive  any- 
thing in  the  shape  of  alms;  he  wanted  work;  he 
was  selling  maps;  I  bought  one  when  I  did  not 
need  it  so  as  to  be  charitable,  notwithstanding  ap- 
pearances were  against  him  ;  I  had  him  to  share 
with  me  my  breakfast  at  my  own  table.  He  writes 
a  beautiful  hand;  he  has  been  in  the  employ  of 
the  government;  he  has  seen  better  days;  he  is  a 
painter  by  trade;  I  wrote  him  a  letter  of  commen- 
dation to  a  leading  painter  in  reference  to  a  situa- 
tion ;  I  hope  to  be  a  blessing  to  him.  "  Strengthen 
the  things  that  are  weak  and  ready  to  die.''  He 
bowed  before  the  Lord  in  our  meeting,  and  though 
an  aged  man  tried  to  "  present  himself  a  living  sac- 
rifice, holy,  acceptable  to  God,  which  is  our  reason- 
able service."  At  that  period  of  life  this  is  a 
difficult  task.  While  there  is  life  there  is  hope. 
We  are  prisoners  of  hope.  "  Hope  thou  in  God,  for 
I  shall  yet  praise  him." 

The  prayer,  praise  and  experience  meeting  began 


62 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


at  2 J  o'clock  p.  M.,  and  grew  in  interest  till  the  end. 
It  was  delightful  to  hear  men  of  God  testifying  to 
the  power  of  the  Gospel  to  save.  Mr.  Dill,  an  Elder 
in  the  Chambers's  Presbyterian  Church,  was  so 
thrilling  on  personal  salvation.  Mr.  Murphy,  of 
the  Lutheran  Church,  was  as  clear  as  the  noonday 
sun,  on  Christian  experience.  Mr.  Proud,  of  Scott 
M.  E.  Church,  described  most  graphically  his  con- 
viction and  his  glorious  conversion,  and  certainly 
made  the  writer  feel  thankful  when  he  said,  "I  was 
convinced  that  I  was  a  lost  sinner,  unless  saved  by 
Christ,  by  hearing  Brother  Manship,  many  years 
ago,  preach  in  a  downtown  church  on  "  Come  unto 
me  all  ye  that  are  weary  and  heavy  laden,  and  I 
will  give  you  rest.''  What  an  honor  for  a  minister 
to  be  able  to  say,  Ye  are  my  epistles  known  and 
read  of  all  men !"  What  a  joy  it  gives  a  servant 
of  God  to  know  his  labors  are  blessed ! 

Rev.  James  Morrow,  D.D.,  Pastor  of  Tabernacle 
M.  E.  Church,  preached  at  4  o'clock  an  able  and 
sympathetic  sermon,  wonderfully  calculated  to  en- 
courage the  chief  of  sinners.  Many  wept  over  the 
fact  that  their  sons  and  friends  were  among  the 
lost,  but  took  courage  from  the  sermon  they  might 
yet  be  found.  ''This,  my  son,  was  lost,  but  is  found ; ' 
he  was  dead,  but  is  alive  again."  Rev.  Mr.  Morrow 
was  divinely  assisted,  "  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth."  At  night  Rev.  J.  R.  Merrill  accidentally 
came  in.  I  invited  him  to  preach.  He  preached 
on  the  "  Law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 
soul,"  to  a  great  gathering  of  the  people;  he  was 
signally  happy  in  his  sermon.    Towards  the  close 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


53 


of  that  immense  meeting  the  writer  put  the  ques- 
tion to  the  mass  of  people  before  him  :  "  You  that 
approve  of  these  services,  and  the  effort  to  reach 
the  masses,  and  feel  that  we  ought  to  be  encouraged 
in  this  laudable  undertaking  to  rescue  the  per- 
ishing, will  you  rise  up,  whether  Catholics  or  Pro- 
testants, rich  or  poor,  young  or  old,  saints  or 
sinners  ?"  All  simultaneously  arose  to  their  feet, 
and  while  standing  we  sang  with  enthusiasm  twice 
over : — 

*  *  Praise  God  from  Avhom  all  blessings  flow 
Praise  Him  all  creatures  here  below, 
Praise  Him  above  ye  heavenly  host, 
Praise  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost.'* 

Rev.  Mr.  Merrill  was  with  me  the  first  day  of  the 
meeting  in  the  Tent.  He  said,  "  On  the  first  day," 
after  he  preached  so  spiritedly,  "  Brother  Manship 
opened  this  Tent  for  religious  purposes;  I  am  frank 
to  confess  I  was  weak  in  faith,  and  felt  it  would  be 
a  failure;  but  now  I  am  strong  in  faith  with  this 
array  of  people  before  me,  and  the  tide  of  feeling 
sweeping  over  us — it  will  be  a  success."  I  would 
not  presume  to  teach  Brother  Merrill  theology,  for 
he  is  older  than  I  am  in  the  ministry,  but  that  was 
not  faith,  that  was  sight!  "Faith  is  the  substance 
of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen."  I  saw  the  people  before  that  night,  when 
they  were  not  there.  I  saw  the  grace  of  God  and 
was  glad,  in  the  conversion  of  souls  before  it  took 
place ;  I  had  "  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen." 
"  Lord  increase  our  faith."    How  are  we  to  retreat 


54 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


from  the  field  ?  "  Vox  populi,  vox  Dei^^^  "  the  voice 
of  the  people,  the  voice  of  God."  I  hope  to  die  in 
this  work.    "Die  like  a  martyr;  fall  at  my  postP' 

On  Monday  night  I  was  disappointed  again, 
and  Christain  women  lent  a  helping  hand,  not  only 
in  the  afternoon  bub  at  night.  They  helped  Nehe- 
miah  in  rebuilding  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  Little 
Charley  Pilgrim  also  spoke  about  the  Saviour 
sweetly.  It  is  quite  unusual  to  see  so  young  and 
small  a  boy  standing  up  and  speaking  for  Jesus. 
I  hope  his  effort  was  blessed  to  some  of  the  many  ap- 
parently neglected  children  who  attended  our  Tent 
meetings.  If  he  were  my  boy  I  should  be  proud 
of  him.  I  would  praise  God  for  the  gift.  A  year 
ago  what  valuable  services  he  rendered  us  in  our 
meetings  at  Sanctuary.   Charley  has  my  best  wishes. 

Tuesday  afternoon  I  was  burying  the  dead  and 
missed  the  meeting,  the  only  one  of  the  series. 
Rev.  J.  Y.  Ashton,  moral  instructor  of  Eastern 
Penitentiary,  preached  on  There  is  joy  in  Heaven 
over  one  sinner  that  repenteth."  After  he  w^as 
through  a  man  who  had  been  a  prisoner,  bowed 
at  the  mercy  seat ;  we  bent  our  energies  to  lead 
him  to  the  "  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I !"  During 
the  day  I  met  him  in  the  street,  and  I  told  him  Mr. 
Ashton  was  to  preach  to-night,  he  must  come.  He 
told  me  he  was  hungry,  and  said  "  I  get  plenty  of 
whiskey  offered  to  me,  but  from  everything  else  I  am 
turned  away."  I  went  with  him  to  a  restaurant 
and  told  them  to  give  him  something  to  eat — a 
square  meal — and  I  would  pay  the  bill.  It  is  bet- 
tei  to  give  a  starving  man  bread  in  order  to  get 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


55 


him  saved  than  to  give  him  a  tract,  though  I  am  a 
tract  man.  "  I  was  hungry  and  ye  fed  me !"  These 
words  fell  from  the  lips  of  Jesus. 

Now  we  come  to  the  closing  day,  the  15th  of 
August.  It  was  a  rainy  day,  but  quite  a  number 
met  at  3  o'clock.  Rev.  Mr.  Young,  from  Scotland, 
a  Presbyterian  speaker,  and  worker,  preached  a  ser- 
mon full  of  pathos  and  power,  and  every  one  felt 
greatly  encouraged.  Rev.  Mr.  Long,  the  Presbyte- 
rian minister  who  preaches  so  effectively  illustrated 
sermons,  sent  Rev.  Mr.  Young  to  me.  He  was  a 
grand  helper.  Many  years  ago  I  preached  for 
Mr.  Long  in  Broad  street,  on  the  text,  "Come 
thou  with  us,  we  will  do  you  good,  &c."  A  steno- 
grapher took  my  sermon  down  correctly.  I  knew 
nothing  of  it  till  he  brought  it  to  me,  and  I  gave 
him  two  dollars  for  it.  I  do  not  suppose  it  was 
worth  purchasing,  still  we  may  hear  from  it  in  time 
and  in  eternity. 

Rev.  C.  F.  Turner  preached  the  last  sermon, 
Wednesday  evening,  August  15th,  on  "Though 
your  sins  be  as  scarlet  or  crimson  I  will  make  them 
as  snow  or  as  wool.''  A  thrilling  conversion  fol- 
lowed !  It  was  a  man  who  had  been  wealthy,  who 
had  married  into  one  of  the  best  families  in  Ken- 
tucky ;  his  father  was  a  congressman  from  the  First 
District  of  New  York,  for  many  years.  I  used  to 
hear  the  colored  people  sing,  when  I  was  a  boy,  a 
quaint  old  song,  at  the  corn  huskings  and  other 
festive  occasions,  as  follows  : 

Whiskey,  whiskey,  you  very  well  know, 

Has  robbed  my  pocket  and  brought  me  down  low," 


56 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


It  was  SO  in  his  case,  but  a  little  kindness  makes 
an  impression  on  a  friendless  man.  We  pitied  him, 
and  let  him  sleep  the  night  before  under  our 
canvas,  with  two  other  unfortunate  ones.  I  gave 
my  voice  in  favor  of  that,  for  I  remembered  once 
being  asleep  at  a  camp  meeting  in  a  Union  Tent, 
and  how  I  and  other  lads,  rather  friendless,  were 
compelled  to  vacate  the  premises  at  a  late  hour. 
The  impression  made  on  us  was  not  favorable  to 
religion,  and  we  said  pensively  in  our  hearts : 

Father,  I  stretch  my  hands  to  Thee, 

No  other  help  I  know  ; 
If  thou  withdraw  thyself  from  me, 

Ah,  whither  shall  I  go  ?" 

This  case  will  be  referred  to  further  on  in  the 
History  of  the  Tent.  See  the  "  power  of  God  unto 
Salvation." 

In  our  last  meeting,  winding  up  our  second 
series,  we  recognised  a  blind  colored  minister  that 
used  to  be  a  slave  in  Maryland.  He  led  in  prayer ; 
his  little  girl  sung  a  beautiful  hymn  at  the  close  of 
the  meeting ;  we  made  him  some  little  offerings  in 
money,  and  then  in  a  pleasant  manner  we  said : 
We  can  approximate  in  a  slight  degree  in  connec- 
tion with  this  Tent  expedition,  to  our  blessed  Mas- 
ter, when  he  said,  on  a  certain  occasion,  to  one  sick 
of  the  palsy,  Arise,  take  up  thy  bed  and  go  into 
thine  house !"  So  we  having  secured  with  the  Great 
Wigwam  Moving  Tent,  some  dozen  or  more  mat- 
tresses on  which  the  Indians  slept  before  the  sur- 
render to  the  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords, 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS, 


57 


we  said  to  the  poor,  blind  colored  man,  who  was 
with  us  providentially  (we  speak  it  reverently), 
Arise,  take  up  thy  bed  and  go  into  thine  house," 
and  so  the  mattress  was  borne  away  gratefully.  Is 
it  not  true,  "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  re- 
ceive?" Jesus  said,  "  the  poor  you  have  with  you 
always,  but  me  ye  have  not  always." 

I  will  give  another  reminiscence  of  a  Florida 
colored  man  with  his  two  children  who  visited  one 
of  our  Tent  meetings.  He  prayed  eloquently, 
and  at  the  close,  he  and  his  children  sang  some 
touching  plantation  songs,  what  some  might  call 
"doggerel  rhymes  and  cornfield  ditties."  They 
were  well  received,  and  I  took  occasion  to  say,  the 
great,  immortal  Martin  Luther  sang  in  the  streets  at 
one  period  of  his  life  for  a  living,  and  now  let  us 
give  this  southern  ex-slave  and  his  children  some 
little  help  for  entertaining  us  so  grandly.  It  was 
kindly  done  by  the  congregation. 

"  Ethiopia  stretches  forth  her  hands,"  and  our 
hearts  beat  in  unison  with  their  hearts,  and  as  we 
should  have  done,  we  lent  a  helping  hand. 

The  lessee  of  the  ground,  Mr.  McNichol,  kindly 
extended  to  us  the  use  of  the  ground  free  till  the  end 
of  August.  My  readers  will  perceive  that  we  closed 
up  the  preceding  chapter  bj^  giving  an  account  of 
what  was  to  be  the  last  day  of  the  feast.  We  hope, 
as  God  opens  our  way  to  move  on,  "go  forward," 
feeling  that  the  field  "  is  white  unto  harvest."  And 
ere  we  close  this  feast  of  tabernacles  we  hope  to 
arouse,  by  the  power  of  God  and  ocular  demon- 
stration, a  deeper  feeling  in  all  the  churches  for 


58 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


home  missionary  work,  and  not  in  the  least  diminish 
the  zeal  and  ardor  of  the  glorious  M.  E.  Church, 
and  all  other  churches  who  are  laboring  to  conquer 
the  world  for  Jesus;  and  lead  the  heathen  in  his 
blindness  unto  the  glorious  light  of  the  Gospel, 
"  and  crown  him  Lord  of  all."  We  on  our  knees 
have  asked  God  to  guide  this  "new  departure''  into 
which  we  have  been  plainly  and  providentially  led, 
and  give  us  favor  with  our  own  beloved  M.  E. 
Church,  both  ministers  and  members,  and  all  the 
churches,  as  he  has  most  signally  done  with  the 
outside  world.  "We  love  the  church  our  blest 
Redeemer  bought  with  his  own  precious  blood." 

This  Saturday  afternoon,  August  18th  1883,  at 
3  o'clock,  we  begin  our  third  series  to  reach  the 
masses.  We  see,  by  faith,  grand  and  glorious 
results:  1st.  We  expect  to  hold  a  noon-day  work- 
ingmens'  meeting,  as  we  are  right  under  the  shadow 
of  the  Baldwin  Locomotive  Works,  where  at  least 
three  thousand  men  are  employed.  Perhaps  the 
reader  will  say,  the  men  will  not  come.  "  Oh  ye 
of  little  faith !"  you  cannot  drive  men,  but  you  can 
lead  them.  "  He  that  winneth  souls  is  wise."  May 
the  Lord  give  us  faith,  wisdom,  courage  and  the 
unction  of  the  Holy  One,  and  then  we  shall  be 
prevailing  Israels  as  well  as  wrestling^  Jacobs. 

Perhaps  God  has  called  me  to  do  them  good.  For 
years  I  have  married  some  of  the  workingmen,  bap- 
tized their  children,  visited  the  sick  and  buried  the 
dead ;  why  not  have  influence  enough  to  lead 
them  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I  ?  How  God 
has  honored  our  faith  our  readers  will  see  further 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


59 


on.  Already  our  great  Tent  is  asked  for,  with  the 
view  of  holding  an  immense  temperance  meeting 
on  Saturday,  August  25th  1883.  The  special  com- 
mittee to  procure  the  Tent  consisted  of  a  Quaker 
and  a  Jew.  We  will  lose  sight  of  our  respective 
sects,  and  "  reason  of  rightousness,  temperance  and 
a  judgment  to  come,"  and  go  en  masse  against  a 
gigantic  evil  that  is  sweeping  tens  of  thousands 
of  our  community  down  the  whirlpool  of  destruc- 
tion— amongst  them  our  sons,  husbands,  fathers  and 
brothers — and  we  are  ready  to  cry  out,  Oh  that 
my  head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain 
of  tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and  night  for  the 
slain  of  the  daughter  of  my  people." 

Let  me  beg  of  all  not  to  find  fault,  but  "  come  up 
to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  to  the  help  of  the  Lord 
against  the  mighty."  Do  not  use  influence  to  retard 
the  work ;  "  one  sinner  destroyeth  much  good." 
''Work  while  the  day  lasts."  Work  for  God. 
Work  for,  Jesus.    Work  for  the  masses. 

Do  not  split  on  the  following  rock.  For  this 
timely  article  we  are  indebted  to  the  great  Public 
Ledger  of  Philadelphia : 

DEFAMERS  OF  GOOD  NAMES. 

It  is  related  of  Aristides,  the  Athenian  statesman,  that  when 
the  question  of  his  banishment  was  before  the  people,  Aristides 
himself  was  requested  by  a  stranger  to  write  his  own  name  upon 
the  shell  which  served  as  a  ballot  for  proscription.  Aristides 
inquired  of  the  man  why  he  wished  the  sentence  passed  ;  and  the 
reply  was  :  "  I  am  weary  of  hearing  him  styled  ^  The  Just.' " 
This  disposition  to  disparage  a  man  because  he  has  a  good  repu- 
tation, is  not  now  unfamiliar  to  schemers  of  a  certain  sort. 

Still,  when  a  man  is  dead,  and  can  no  longer  stand  in  the  way 


60 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


of  another  man's  envy  or  spitefulness,  justice,  and  often  more 
than  justice,  is  generally  done  to  his  memciy.  Such  at  least  has 
usually  been  the  case.  The  world  has  been  content  to  remember 
the  dead  at  their  best.  It  has  happened,  however,  within  the 
last  decade  or  two,  as  the  Ledger  has  before  this  found  occasion 
to  remark,  there  has  been  shown  a  disposition  to  cast  traditional 
idols  from  their  places.  The  effort  is  constantly  made  to  rake  up 
and  exhibit  whatever  was  weak  or  reprehensible  in  the  lives  and 
characters  of  the  men  whose  names  have  been  household  words ; 
when  one  gets  a  new  book  on  an  old  biographical  subject,  it  is 
taken  up  with  something  akin  to  apprehension  on  this  account. 
Whoever  would  keep  his  cherished  admiration  for  hero,  or  saint, 
or  favorite  author,  must,  as  a  rule,  avoid  the  works  of  the  latter- 
day  critics.  Many  of  these  writers  appear  to  be  weary  of  hear- 
ing the  traditional  praise,  and  to  have  no  better  reason  for  their 
course  than  the  Athenian  had. 

Unquestionably,  it  is  injudicious  to  overpraise  any  man,  living 
or  dead,  for  this  is  sure  to  provoke  disparagement.  On  the  other 
hand,  it  is  unjust  to  the  memory  of  the  dead  and  to  the  character 
of  the  living  to  meet  overpraise  with  detraction  just  as  ill  founded. 
There  is  no  historic  character,  and  there  is  no  living  man  with- 
out imperfections  and  faults,  which  should  not  be  paraded,  except 
for  some  good  or  necessary  purpose. 

When  a  notable  man  dies,  posterity  makes  up  the  verdict.  If 
he  has  done  service  to  humanity,  and  left  his  mark  for  good  in 
the  world,  posterity  is  generous :  and  more  than  generous — just. 
We  are  bound,  in  gratitude  for  the  benefit  we  derive  from  the 
world's  progress,  to  remember  chiefly  the  services  of  the  dead. 
Their  public  acts  and  influence  for  good  are  what  chiefly  concern 
their  posterity.  If  the  ideal  portrait  is  flattered,  that  is  but  a 
minor  matter  after  all.  It  is  rather  refreshing  and  grateful  to 
our  better  thoughts  to  dwell  upon  the  pleasant  features  ;  and  if 
the  idea  is  over-colored,  the  better  model  have  we  before  us. 

If  this  editorial  of  the  Public  Led-ger  applies  to  me 
in  any  degree  (I  do  not  know  that  it  does),  *'the  least 
of  all  saints/'  I  would  say  to  all  to  whom  it  may  con- 
cern, I  am  nearer  to  God  to-day  than  ever  before.  I 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


61 


am  more  bent  on  devoting  myself  to  saving  souls  than 
ever  before,  as  an  humble  instrument,  and  feel  thrilled 
with  the  thought  that  God  has  the  greatest  work  of 
my  life  yet  for  me  to  do.  As  I  reflect  on  the  excellent 
health  God  has  given  me,  and  the  doors  that  are 
opening  for  me,  and  as  I  see  the  hearts  of  the  child- 
ren of  men  are  fully  set  in  them  to  do  evil,  I  pray 
to  the  Lord  to  spare  me  many  years,  so  that  I  may 
be  useful  in  my  day  and  generation  in  "  rescuing 
the  perishing."  Ought  w^e  not,  especially  ministers 
of  the  gospel,  shed  for  each  other  the  sympathizing 
tear,  and  rejoice  in  each  other^s  success  in  winning 
souls?  "Salvation,  let  the  echo  fly,''  I  bid  all  faith- 
ful men  of  whatever  caste  God  speed.  "  And  now  I 
say  unto  you,  refrain  from  these  men,  and  let  them 
alone,  for  if  this  counsel  or  this  work  be  of  men,  it 
will  come  to  naught,  but  if  it  be  of  God,  ye  cannot 
overthrow  it,  lest  haply  ye  be  found  to  fight  against 
God."  "  Ephraim  shall  not  envy  Judah  ;  and  Judah 
shall  not  vex  Ephraim  !" 

*  *  Envy  dogs  success  ; 

And  every  victor's  crown  is  lined  with  thorns, 
And  worn  'mid  scotfs." 

"For  ye  neither  go  in  yourselves,  nor  suffer  ye 
them  that  are  entering  to  go  in  !"  But  God's  faith- 
ful workmen  must  say,  "  none  of  these  things  move 
me." 


62 


A  BBIEP  HISTORY 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Workingmen's  Meeting — Specimen  Sermons — One  thousand  Circulars 
sent  out — The  Funeral  of  a  Workingman — Ministers,  Laymen  and 
Christian  Women  helping — Meetings  non- sectarian — Professor  Foster 
and  lady  volunteer  to  give  us  music — Volunteers  better  than  Con- 
scripted men — The  Philadelphia  Newspapers  kind — The  two  Lectures 
towards  the  second  hundred — One  noble  man  buys  fifty — Faith  in 
God,  the  People  and  ourselves — You  did  not  believe  you  could*' — 
Complimentary  resolutions  relating  to  lectures — Tlie  Prodigal  comes 
home — The  Holy  Ghost  fell  upon  us — The  testimony  of  converts- 
Mr.  McNichol  —  The  Police  Force  kind — Little  Earle  made  a  life 
member — Handbills  and  Hymns  sent  out — A  tribute  of  respect  to 
Friends — Mr.  Joseph  Clough — Eight  Denominations  represented — 
Predict  a  bright  day  to-morrow — The  Onesimus  Sermon — Faithful 
helpers — Sketching  a  sermon — Rev.  Mr.  Denning  and  Rev,  Mr, 
Hambleton — Rev.  Mr.  Smith  of  Salem  M.  E.  Church — Rev.  Mr. 
Golday — The  Bible  Society — Rev.  Irvine  Torrence — Lost,  perhaps 
saved,  by  a  Mother's  Prayer — Rev.  Jacob  Hinson's  sermon. 

Tl/TY  readers  will  bear  in  mind  that  I  spoke  in  the 
-LU-  closing  part  of  the  preceding  chapter  of  estab- 
lishing a  "  Noonday  Workingmens'  Meeting this 
I  did  on  Monday,  the  20th  of  August  1883,  and 
have  kept  it  up  every  day  until  this  writing,  Sep- 
tember 29th,  sending  out  one  thousand  copies  of 
the  following  circular : 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


63 


Philadelpllia,  August  20th  1883. 

WORKINGMENS'  MEETING 

In  the  Tent,  Broad  and  Spring  Garden, 

Beginning  to-day,  Monday,  August  20th  1883,  at  quarter  past  twelve 
and  closing  quarter  of  one  o'clock,  and  so  to  continue  during  the  week. 
The  Meetings  in  charge  of 

Rev.  a.  MANSHIP, 
Nearly  40  years  an  ordained  Minister  of  the  Gospel. 
You  are  cordially  invited  to  attend  these  Meetings. 
Your  fellow  Workingman, 
A.  MANSHIP, 
Residence,  1328  Jefferson  Street. 

Temporarily  supplying  the  Pulpit  of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church,  Fifth 
Street  below  Girard  Avenue. 

After  holding  the  meetings  two  weeks,  I  put  it  to 
vote  as  to  whether  I  should  go  on  or  not,  and  every 
man,  so  far  as  I  knew,  voted,  by  rising,  to  go  on. 
The  meetings  have  numbered  some  days  nearly 
one  hundred,  other  days  less.  The  men  are  very 
attentive  to  the  singing  and  praying;  and  each  day 
I  have  taken  a  text  and  preached  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes.  For  instance,  one  day  on  the  text,  "  So 
run  that  ye  may  obtain,"  I  made  three  points:  1st. 
In  the  Christian  race  it  is  important  to  start  right. 
I  told  them  the  starting  point  was  a  sound  conver- 
sion to  God.  Such  a  change  of  heart,  as  Christ 
spoke  of  when  he  said  to  Nicodemus,  "  Ye  must  be 
born  again."     2d.    Running  the  Christian  race 


64  A  BRIEF  HISTORY 

implied  exertion,  effort,  zeal  and  perseverance, 
stretching  every  nerve  to  reach  the  mark  "  of  the 
prize  of  our  high  calling,  which  is  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus."  3d.  We  are  running  for  a  glorious  diadem, 
not  for  a  fading  crown ;  not  a  perishable  prize,  but 
a  crown  that  never  fades. 

The  crown  that  decks  the  monarch, 

Is  not  the  crown  for  me  ; 
It  dazzles  but  a  moment, 

Its  brightness  soon  will  flee. 

But  there's  a  crown  prepared  above, 
For  all  who  walk  in  humble  love  ; 
For  ever  bright  it  will  be, 
Oh,  that's  the  crown  for  me." 

One  day  I  preached  from,  "  No  man  cared  for  my 
soul."  I  exhausted  the  ten  minutes  in  giving 
reasons  why  we  should  care  for  the  soul.  1st.  On 
account  of  its  immortality  in  eternal  happiness  or 
woe.  2d.  On  account  of  the  price  paid  for  its 
redemption.  We  were  not  purchased  with  "  silver 
and  gold,  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Jesus." 
8d.  On  account  of  its  intellectuality  and  great 
capabilities.  4th.  On  account  of  the  conflict  that 
is  going  on  between  Heaven  and  Hell  in  relation 
to  the  soul. 

On  one  occasion  I  had  my  youngest  child  with 
me,  a  little  boy  five  years  old  (since  deceased),  who 
recited  the  Lord^s  prayer  very  distinctly,  and  stood 
by  me  while  I  preached  to  them.  My  text  on  that 
occasion  was,  "  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  except  ye  be 
converted  and  become  as  a  little  child,  ye  shall  not 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  Heaven !" 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


65 


On  another  occasion,  a  beautiful  little  girl,  Miss 
Smith,  not  more  than  three  or  four  years  old,  spoke 
a  delightful  piece,  and  the  men  showed  their  appre- 
ciation by  a  great  clapping  of  hands.  Then  I  read 
out  as  my  text,  "  A  little  child  shall  lead  them."  I 
endeavored  to  set  forth  how  our  children  influenced 
and  led  us  away  from  dissipation,  and  led  us  fre- 
quently to  the  Saviour  when  every  thing  else  failed, 
especially  in  their  death.  "  They  cannot  come  to 
us,  but  we  can  go  to  them and  thousands  of  im- 
penitent fathers  have  been  led  to  forsake  sin,  and 
deeply  afflicted  and  bereaved  by  having  every  link 
in  the  chain  of  love  broken  by  scarlet  fever  or 
some  other  sweeping  epidemic  have  said,  by 
the  grace  of  God  I  will  meet  my  loved  ones  over 
there.  Thus  the  little  child  or  children  have  led 
them  "  to  a  rock  that  is  higher  than  I." 

Whilst  I  preached  to  the  workingmen  daily,  I 
attended  the  funeral  (after  visiting  the  person  in 
death)  of  a  former  employee  in  Baldwin's  Locomo- 
tive Works.  Four  workingmen  were  bearers.  This 
brought  me  in  close  religious  contact  with  the  men, 
and  gave  me  a  strong  hold  on  their  sympathies. 
May  much  good  grow  out  of  this.  The  father  of 
the  young  man  was  a  Roman  Catholic,  yet  I  had  the 
fullest  opportunity  to  sing  and  pray  with  the  dying 
and  bury  the  dead  after  preaching  according  to  the 
ritual  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

The  sermons  by  my  brethren  in  the  ministry  in 
the  Tent  were  able.  The  following  clergymen  up 
to  the  time  of  this  writing,  September  7th,  1883, 
preached,  besides  the  writer.     Revs.  Anthony  At- 


66 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


wood,  Jerome  Lindermuth,  C.  F.  Turner,  James 
Morrow,  D.D.,M.  D.  Kurtz,  S.N.  Chew,  Rev.  Mr.  Mey- 
ers; of  Baltimore  Conference,  Bishop  Campbell,  of  the 
African  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Denning,  of  the 
Baptist  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Surgison,  of  the  Second 
Advent  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Miller,  of  the  Twenty- 
ninth  Street  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Kemble,  of 
Front  Street  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  Wm.  Formoso,  Rev.  Mr. 
Miller  of  Broad  St.M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  J.  M.  Golday, 
Dr.  Hastings,  of  Boston,  a  young  Evangelist  from 
Brooklyn,  Fred  Shevier,  Rev.  Mr.  GraflF,  pastor  of 
Roxborough  M.  E.  Church,  Mr.  Hutchison,  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  last  though  not  least,  Mr. 
Shugard,  a  young  local  minister  of  Nazareth  M.  E- 
Church.  "  Can  any  good  thing  come  out  of  Naza- 
reth ?  Come  and  see  She  has  helped  me  for  thirty 
years  to  extend  Christ's  kingdom. 

Eminent  laymen  have  lent  a  helping  hand  and 
spoke  with  profit,  among  them  Mr.  Calhoun  and  a 
brother  just  from  Liverpool,  Episcopalians;  Mr. 
Murphy  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  Mr.  Dill,  an 
Elder  of  the  Chambers  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr. 
Lowry,  Mr.  Harrison,  Mr.  Proud,  and  Mr.  Cornish. 
The  last  named  are  from  different  M.  E.  Churches. 
Mr.  McKnight,  a  letter  carrier;  he  delivers,  no 
doubt,  many  important  messages.  He  certainly 
delivered,  in  our  Tent  meetings,  many  short,  pithy, 
earnest  messages — messages  of  salvation.  He  is  full 
of  joy!  God's  people  should  shout  aloud  for 
joy !  He  established  a  Mission  in  St.  Mary  street; 
he  is  ready  to  work  for  Jesus.   May  he  win  to  Christ 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


67 


his  brother  letter  carriers.  God  bless  them  all !  He 
is  doing  a  grand  work  in  his  way.  How  they  could 
all  preach  if  saved  by  Christ ! 

Christian  women  have  effectively  aided  us,  and 
noTDly  stood  up  for  Jesus — among  them  Mrs.  Pilgrim, 
Miss  Morgan,  Mrs.  Hudson,  Mrs.  DeHass,  Mrs. 
Young,  Mrs.  Mathers,  and  others,  all  of  different 
sects,  but  one  in  Christ.  "  For  there  is  one  God 
and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man 
Christ  Jesus." 

The  meetings  have  been  non-sectarian.  I  told 
an  incident  on  this  point  that  seemed  to  make  a 
good  impression.  During  the  late  war,  in  a  hos- 
pital at  Washington,  a  soldier  was  dying — he  was  a 
Christian ;  the  Chaplain  asked  him  "  what  church 
do  you  belong  to  ?"  He  replied,  "  I  belong  to  the 
Christian  Church."  Said  the  Chaplain,  "I  mean 
what  persuasion  do  you  belong  to?"  The  dying 
soldier  said  Persuasion,  persuasion,  persuasion  I 
I  am  persuaded  that  neither  life,  nor  death,  nor 
principalities,  or  powers,  things  present  or  things 
which  are  to  come,  heights,  depths  or  any  other 
creature  shall  be  able  to  separate  me  from  the  love 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus !" 

In  my  sermon,  on  "  0,  Lord  revive  thy  work," 
preached  in  the  Tent,  I  said,  "  bigotry  is  a  barrier 
in  the  way  of  the  revival  of  God's  work.  I  would 
like  to  see  Old  Bigotry  put  to  death  ;  I  would  like  to 
preach  his  funeral  sermon,  and  see  him  buried  so 
deep  he  would  never  have  a  resurrection !"  I  do 
not  sympathize  with  the  following  sentiment: — 


68 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


**  The  good  old  man  too  eager  in  dispute 
Plew  high,  and  as  his  Christian  fury  rose, 
Damned  all  for  heretics  who  durst  oppose.*' 

Professor  Foster  and  his  wife,  Presbyterians,  have 
rendered  us  valuable  gratuitous  services  in  the  way 
of  song  and  music.  He  was  a  volunteer,  unknown 
to  me,  and  modestly  handed  me  a  card  in  the  Tent, 
to  the  effect  that  if  agreeable,  he  and  his  wife  would 
sing  and  play  a  certain  pathetic  piece  relating  to 
the  rescue  of  the  lost  sinner.  Nobly  did  they  then 
do  their  work,  and  since  have  on  this  line  effect- 
ively helped  the  cause  of  Christ.  I  said  they  volun- 
teered ;  in  the  late  war,  one  volunteer  to  fight  for 
his  country,  whose  soul  was  in  the  cause,  was 
worth  a  half  dozen  conscripted  or  drafted.  We 
want  volunteers  and  courageous  soldiers  in  this 
good  fight  of  faith. 

We  want  no  cowards  in  our  bands, 

That  will  their  colors  fly. 
We  call  for  valiant-hearted  men, 

That  never  fear  to  die.'* 

The  press  is  calculated  to  do  a  vast  amount  of 
good.  The  secular  press  has  seemed  more  inclined  / 
to  notice  kindly  this  work  than  the  religious  jour- 
nals, for  which  we  "  thank  God  and  take  courage.'^ 
In  this  respect  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer  has  taken 
the  lead.  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  offensive  to  my 
readers  in  quoting  the  Inquirer's  article  of  August  31, 
1883.    "  Kind  words  shall  never  die.'' 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


69 


THE  LECTURES. 

REV.  ANDREW  MANSHIP  ON  HIS  MINISTERIAL  EXPERIENCE — THE 
REVIVAL. 

Rev.  Andrew  Manship,  the  talented  author  of  that  quaint  and 
delightful  work,  Thirteen  years  in  the  Itineracy,"  will  lecture 
to-night  and  to-morrow  night  on  the  same  theme  enlarged  by  an 
experience  of  twenty-seven  years  more.  The  proceeds  of  both 
lectures  will  go  towards  paying  for  the  Tent.  This  enterprise, 
undertaken  by  Mr-.  Manship  single-handed;  has  met  with  the 
success  it  deserved.  The  Tent,  which  opened  as  a  ''Grand 
Australian  Circus,''  and  was  afterward  occupied  by  some  roving 
evangelists,^  became,  under  the  ministry  of  the  pastor  of  Sanctu- 
ary M.  E.  Church,  an  important  centre  of  religious  interest,  and 
as  such  has  been  maintained  all  summer. 

On  Wednesday  evening  Bishop  Campbell,  of  the  African 
Methodist  Church,  preached  there  to  a  large  audience.  Twelve 
persons  have  been  converted,  twenty-seven  have  risen  and  asked 
to  be  prayed  for,  and  a  large  number  have  signed  the  temper- 
ance pledge.  A  noonday  meeting  is  held  daily  for  workingmen, 
Rev.  Mr.  Manship  delivering  a  ten  minutes'  sermon  on  each 
occasion.  The  attendance  at  this  meeting  has  been  quite  large, 
sometimes  reaching  nearly  a  hundred.  Childrens'  meetings  are 
held  half  an  hour  before  the  regular  service. 

An  all-day  meeting  was  held  on  Wednesday  from  nine  a.  m. 
till  ten  o'clock  at  night.  The  officiating  ministers  were  Rev.  C. 
F.  Turner,  Rev.  J.  Lindermuth,  Rev.  Mr.  Shugard,  and  others. 
To-day  a  workingmens'  meeting  will  be  held  from  twelve  to  one 
p.  M.,  the  revival  meeting  at  three  p.  m.,  and  the  lecture  at  eight. 
The  same  programme  is  announced  for  to-morrow,  with  the 
usual  service  on  Sunday  afternoon. 

His  Methodist  friends,  clerical  and  lay,  and  those  of  all  de- 
nominations who  know  him  as  an  entertaining  and  instructive 
author,  will  no  doubt  rally  to  Rev*  Mr.  Manship^s  aid. 

There  have  been  noble-hearted  men  frequently 
in  our  Tent  Meetings,  not  professing  religipn,  not 


1  They  were  good  people. — A.  M. 


70 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Methodists  who  have  put  into  the  collection  five 
dollars  at  a  time ;  this  has  been  done  once  or  twice 
by  a  Quaker  friend,  seeing  we  were  trying  to  do 
good  and  communicate."  We  were  much  at  times 
cast  down  in  view  of  the  one  hundred  dollars  that 
came  due  about  the  1st  of  September.  But  believ- 
ing where  there  was  a  will  there  was  a  way,  I  sug- 
gested to  the  committee  I  would  deliver  two  lectures, 
one  Friday  night,  August  31st,  ^nd  one  Saturday 
night,  September  1st,  in  the  big  tent,  subject,  '^Re- 
collections of  my  Early  Ministry."  For  the  two 
lectures  the  committee  fixed  the  price  at  twenty-five 
cents.  This  was  a  success,  and  cleared  us  towards 
our  one  hundred  dollars,  fifty-two  dollars.  Be  it 
spoken  to  the  credit  of  Mr.  Williams,  of  the  Bald- 
win Locomotive  Works,  he  kindly  heard  our  ex- 
planation of  our  efl'ort  to  do  good  to  his  men  and 
other  workingmen,  bought  fifty  tickets  and  paid  for 
them  on  the  spot.  1  can  speak  kindly  of  Mr. 
Moore,  Messrs.  Townsend  &  Hoopes,  Mr.  James  C. 
Brooks,  of  the  firm  of  Sellers  &  Co.,  and  Mr.  Bell- 
field,  all  heads  of  grand  mechanical  institutions 
under  the  shadow  of  our  great  tent.  They  helped 
us  materially,  and  "  the  people  had  a  mind  for  the 
work."  So  by  God's  blessing  we  paid  the  note,  and 
when  the  last  one  comes  due,  October  1st,  we  shall, 
on  the  same  basis  of  faith  in  God,  faith  in  the 
people,  and  faith  in  ourselves,  pay  the  uttermost 
farthing.  I  trust  our  readers  will  not  object  to  the 
statement  that  we  must  have  some  faith  in  our- 
selves. Let  me  illustrate.  In  the  late  war,  when 
Commodore  Dupont  was  giving  Commodore  Dal- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


71 


green  this  reason,  and  that  reason  why  he  (Dupont), 
did  not  take  Charleston,  Commodore  Dalgreen 
said  :  "  Dupont,  the  reason  you  did  not  take  Charles- 
ton, you  did  not  believe  you  could  do  it."  Lord 
increase  our  faith  and  help  the  church,  the  sacra- 
mental army,  to  believe  we  are  fully  able,  in  the 
strength  which  God  supplies  through  his  Eternal 
Son,  to  pull  down  the  strongholds  of  the  devil  and 
shake  the  trembling  gates  of  hell,  and  triumph  in 
every  place. 

The  saints  in  all  this  glorious  war, 

Shall  conquer  tho'  they  die  ; 
They  see  the  triumph  from  afar, 

By  faith  they  bring  it  nigh." 

In  reference  to  the  lectures,  the  following  paper 
was  presented  by  Mr.  George  W.  Campbell  and  Mr. 
A.  R.  Scott  at  the  close  of  the  Saturday  night  lec- 
ture, and  Mr.  Harrison,  acting  as  chairman,  put  it 
before  the  meeting,  and  it  was  unanimously  adopted. 

Resolved :  That  we  have  listened  with  great  plea- 
sure to  Mr.  Manship's  two  lectures  on  his  "  Keminis- 
cences  in  the  ministry  for  forty  years." 

Resolved :  That  he  is  hereby  requested  to  continue 
those  lectures  at  his  earliest  convenience,  and 
deliver  a  course — say  at  least  five  more — in  which 
he  can  review  the  forty  years  more  satisfactorily 
to  us. 

Resolved :  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  in 
view  of  Rev.  A.  Manship's  arduous  labors  in  this 
great  Tent,  it  is  right  and  highly  proper  that  the 


72 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


proceeds  should,  and  it  is  hereby  requested  that 
they  should  accrue  to  him. 

George  W.  Campbell, 

A.  R.  Scott. 

I  would  just  say,  in  reference  to  the  last  resolu- 
tion, I  expect  no  immediate  aid  from  this  great 
work.  I  am  working  on  principle,  to  do  good  to 
others,  and  for  my  reward  I  must  look  beyond  the 
bounds  of  time  and  space.  But  how  rich  will  be 
the  recompense  of  those  who  "  turn  many  to 
righteousness."  It  makes  us  happy  to  make  other 
people  happy. 

Up  to  this  period  (September  9th)  we  will  take 
the  liberty  of  recapitulating,  and  seeing  "what  hath 
God  wrought"  towards  the  salvation  of  the  children 
of  men :  1st.  Thousands  have  heard  the  gospel,  not 
accustomed  to  attending  the  churches,  not  only  by 
the  living  ministry,  but  by  the  silent  messenger  in 
the  shape  of  the  evangelical  tract ;  these  fly  sheets 
of  salvation  have  not  gone  forth  in  vain ;  we  shall 
hear  from  the  "Dairyman's  Daughter,"  and  other 
tracts  distributed  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  churches,  also  from  the 
Orthodox  Friends'  Book  Store,  on  Arch  near  Fourth 
street,  and  the  American  Tract  Society.  Thank  God 
for  such  auxiliaries  to  the  glorious  gospel ! 

2d.  Quite  a  number  have  signed  the  Total  Ab- 
stinence Pledge,  and  on  September  7th  one  of  them, 
a  man  six  feet  high,  a  prodigal  son,  was  gloriously 
converted  to  God;  at  mid- day  a  light  above  the 
brightness  of  the  sun  shone  upon  him.    Shoes  have 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS.  73 

been  put  upon  his  feet ;  if  not  the  best  robe,  still  a 
robe  has  literally  been  put  upon  him,  and  when  he 
stood  up  at  night,  of  the  same  day  of  his  conversion, 
before  all  the  people,  and  calmly  and  modestly  told 
^  what  God,  for  Christ^s  sake,  had  done  for  him,  all 
felt  thankful.  He,  like  the  prodigal  when  he  came 
to  want,  said,  "I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  father.'' 
As  a  father  receives  a  long-lost  son,  so  will  God 
receive  his  children  who  have  wasted  their  sub- 
stance with  riotous  living,  if  they  deeply  repent 
and  come  home. 

Come  home,  come  home,  child,  your  Father  calls,  come  home  I'* 

Fourteen  professed  to  have  been  saved  by  faith  in 
the  sacrificial  death  of  Christ.  Over  thirty  others 
have  stood  up  and  asked  us  to  pray  for  them.  So 
we  feel  we  have  not  labored  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  or 
"gone  a  warfare  at  our  own  charges."  Many  child- 
ren's meetings  have  been  held,  and  no  doubt  good 
will  grow  out  of  this  labor  of  love. 

On  the  7th  of  September  the  Holy  Ghost  fell 
upon  us.  And  at  the  close  of  the  workingmens' 
meeting,  we  remained  worshipping  God  until  2 
p.  M.;  three  persons  knelt  for  prayer  on  the  straw  in 
front  of  our  great  platform,  and  more  or  less  till  9|- 
at  night,  persons  that  had  been  saved  for  years,  and 
saved  at  this  meeting  "  began  to  speak  with  other 
tongues  as  the  spirit  gave  them  utterance."  I  will 
sketch  a  few.  A  lady  of  great  energy  and  business 
capacity  who  was  gloriously  saved  some  two  weeks 
ago  said :  "  I  am  glad  I  ever  came  here  ;  I  am  glad 
I  have  found  Christ;  I  want  to  bring  my  husband 


74 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


and  my  brother  that  they  may  be  saved  too."  I 
never  saw  such  a  visible  change  in  the  looks  and 
movements  of  a  person  as  this  salvation  made  in 
her.  Another  lady  said,  standing  up  for  Jesus :  "  I 
am  so  happy ;  I  cannot  tell  half  what  the  Saviour 
has  done  for  my  poor  soul;  pray  for  me,  that  I  may 
be  faithful.''  A  fine-looking  workingman,  who  had 
his  wife  and  two  children  with  him,  said  so  ten- 
derly: am  blessed  by  coming  into  these  Tent 
meetings;  I  heard  the  singing ;  I  was  drawn  in  by 
it;  I  stood  up  for  prayer  and  sympathy;  I  am 
converted  ;  I  will  stand  fast ;  though  in  the  shop 
where  I  work  I  hear  so  much  profanity,  I  hope  to 
be  faithful."  All  were  affected  by  this  fine,  repu- 
table workingman's  testimony  for  Jesus,  and  at  our 
request  all  arose,  and  we  sang  the  doxology  over 
twice.  Is  it  not  strange  so  few  warm-hearted 
Christian  men  and  women  "  come  up  to  the  help 
of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty  ?"  Indeed  I  do  not 
pray  the  prayer,  "  Curse  ye,  Meroz,  curse  ye  bitterly, 
because  they  do  not  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord 
against  the  mighty  f  but  rather  say  to  my  Metho- 
dist friends,  and  all  Christian  friends,  please  "  Come 
over  into  Macedonia  and  help  us."  "  The  field  is 
white  unto  the  harvest."  Oh  that  the  Lord  may 
send  forth  laborers.  "The  harvest  truly  is  plen- 
teous, but  the  laborers  are  few."  Help  that  you 
may  "  come  again  rejoicing,  bringing  in  the  sheaves, 
and  shout  the  harvest  home." 

I  wish  to  notice  a  few  more  pleasing  facts  in  con- 
nection with  this  work : 

3d.  The  gentleman  who  is  the  lessee  of  the 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


75 


ground,  has  received  eighty  dollars  per  month,  and 
could  command  it  now  I  presume,  and  yet  he 
allows  us  to  occupy  the  ground  gratuitously;  and  I 
will  mention  to  the  glory  of  God,  that  I  had  the 
privilege  of  offering  up  prayer  in  his  parlor,  and 
he  said  to  me  so  kindly,  "I  hope  the  Tent  may  be 
some  benefit  to  you  personally,  for  you  deserve  it, 
and  I  would  rather  you  would  have  it  than  my  own 
people.''  Said  he,  "  I  was  present  at  Samuel  Mil- 
ler's funeral  some  years  ago,  in  Poplar  street  near 
Fifteenth,  where  you  preached.  He  owned  stone 
quarries.  I  have  dealt  with  him.  He  was  a  fine 
citizen.  He  said  to  me  ^Mr.  McNichol,  you  paid 
me  for  stone  the  largest  check  I  ever  received  in 
my  life.'"    We  owe  a  great  deal  to  Mr.  McNichol. 

4th.  At  the  beginning  of  the  meetings  we  went 
to  police  headquarters,  Twenty-third  and  Brown 
streets,  to  get  special  protection.  Nobly  did  those 
in  authority  respond;  they  sent  us  Officer  John  Fos- 
ter, No.  414,  Officer  C.  D.  Scott,  No.  438,  and  also 
No.  424.  They  were  faithful  and  gentlemanly  from 
beginning  to  end,  and  to  them  and  all  others  of  the 
force  who  occasionally  patrolled  around  Broad  and 
Spring  Garden  streets  we  are  under  very  great  obli- 
gations. It  is  a  wonder  that  this  Tent  religious 
meeting  was  not  more  disturbed,  considering  its 
recent  position.  And  we  most  sincerely  pray  God's 
blessing  may  rest  upon  them,  and  that  their  career 
may  be  so  useful  and  upright  that  it  may  be  said 
to  them  in  this  world  and  in  the  world  to  come  by 
the  proper  authorities,  "  Well  done  thou  good  and 
faithful  servants,  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few 


76 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


things  I  will  make  thee  rulers  over  many  things." 
The  late  Governor  Holiday  Hicks,  of  Maryland, 
began  as  a  constable,  then  deputj^  sheriff,  and  pro- 
gressed till  he  reached  the  Gubernatorial  chair. 
And  what  is  most  of  all  to  be  prized,  he  w^as  a 
Christian,  a  good  man,  and  I  expect  to  meet  him  in 
Heaven. 

On  Sabbath  afternoon,  September  9th,  1883,  after 
a  second  thrilling  sermon  by  Rev.  S.  N.  Chew,  pas- 
tor of  Twentieth  Street  M.  E.  Church,  we  wanted  to 
raise  something  beyond  the  basket  collection,  and 
our  little  boy,  "  Earle  St.  Clair,"  my  youngest  child, 
five  years  old,  w^as  proposed  for  life  membership  of 
the  Tent  Association.  I  said  I  hoped  when  I  had 
"  ceased  at  once  to  work  and  live,"  that  my  mantle 
may  fall  on  my  youngest  boy,  and  that  he  maj'' 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor,  and  tell  the  old,  old 
story  that  his  father  had  "  loved  so  long."  I 
said  to  the  little  boy,  tell  the  people  what  church 
you  belong  to,  and  he  said  in  a  clear,  distinct  voice, 
"  I  belong  to  Sanctuary!"  I  held  a  Children's  meet- 
ing there  sometime  ago  and  had  all  the  children  to 
stand  around  the  altar  and  sing,  "  I  am  so  glad  that 
Jesus  loves  me,"  and  some  other  proper  services, 
and  this  little  white-haired  child  settled  down  on 
the  fact  that  he  then  became  a  member  of  the 
Sanctuary.  "Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 
go  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it." 
May  it  be  so  with  Earle.  With  great  enthusi- 
asm they  raised  ten  dollars  and  made  him  a  life- 
member. 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


77 


5th.  The  following  are  some  of  the  hand-bills  we 
had  printed  and  circulated,  by  which  to  attract  due 
attention : 

No.  1. 

CAMP  MEETING  SERVICES 

In  the  Large  Tent, 
Broad  and  Spring  Garden  Streets. 

To  begin  this  Saturday  Evening,  July  28th  1883,  at  8  o'clock,  to 
continue  at  least  till  Monday  Night. 

This  Saturday  Evening,  DEDICATION  OP  THE  TENT,  to  the 
Lord  our  God. 

Sunday  Morning,  at  10.30,  preaching  by  Rev.  A.  AT  WOOD. 

At  2  o'clock,  p.  M.,  YOUNG  PEOPLES'  MEETING.  Addresses 
by  Rev.  C.  F.  TURNER  and  others. 

EVANGELICAL  ALLIANCE  PRAYER  AND  PRAISE  SEE- 
VICES,  at  3  o'clock. 

At  4  o'clock,  preaching  by  Rev.  J.  LINDERMUTH. 
At  8  o'clock,  preaching  by  Rev.  A.  MANSHIP. 
All  are  Welcome  and  cordially  invited. 
Monday  Services  will  be  duly  announced  during  the  Sabbath. 

This  was  the  first  circular  distributed. 

Many  others  were  sent  forth,  but  No.  2  will  give 
the  reader  an  idea  of  their  character.  It  is  as  fol- 
lows : 


78 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


No.  2. 

IS/TEETIISrGS  GO  OI>T 
In  the  Tent,  Broad  and  Spring  Garden  Streets. 

To-morrow,  Sunday,  and  the  coming  week. 

LECTURE  TO-NIGHT— SUBJECT :  ''Forty  Years'  in  the  Wil- 
derness  ;  or,  Reminiscences  of  Forty  Years'  Experience  in  the  Min- 
istry, '  * 

By  ReT.  A.  MANSiElIP, 

At  8  o'clock. 

Proceeds  go  towards  paying  for  the  Tent.  THOSE  WHO  DID 
NOT  HAVE  TICKETS  FOR  BOTH  NIGHTS,  wiU  be  admitted 
this  evening  for  15  Cents. 

TO-MORROW,  GREAT  EXPERIENCE  MEETING 

at  2.30  o'clock,  PREACHING  at  3.30  and  8  p.  M 

WORiaNGMENS'  MEETING  from  12  to  1,  and  PREACHING  at 
8,  all  through  the  week. 

All  invited.   In  behalf  of  the  Committee, 

A.  IVIAN8H IP,  Chairman, 

1328  Jefferson  Street. 

Philadelphia,  September  1st  1883. 

We  had  1000  of  the  following  hymns  printed  on 
a  sheet  of  paper,  and  given  away.  They  seemed  to 
be  much  appreciated,  and  were  taken  home  by  the 
people.  Who  can  tell  the  effect  that  these  songs 
may  produce  ?  Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters, 
for  thou  shalt  find  it  after  many  days." 

Some  of  the  hymns  were  used  in  the  Tent,  Broad 
and  Spring  Garden  Streets,  from  July  28th  till  the 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


79 


close  of  the  meetings,  and  kept  as  special  relics  by 
the  people  : 

1.  There  is  a  Fountain  filled  with  Blood. 

There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood, 

Drawn  from  Immanuel's  veins, 
And  sinners  plunged  beneath  that  flood, 

Lose  all  their  guilty  stains. 

Thou  dying  Lamb,  thy  precious  blood, 

Shall  never  lose  its  power, 
Till  all  the  ransomed  Church  of  God 

Are  saved  to  sin  no  more. 

E'er  since,  by  faith,  I  saw  the  stream. 

Thy  flowing  wounds  supply, 
Redeeming  love  has  been  my  theme. 

And  shall  be,  till  I  die. 

Then  in  a  nobler,  sweeter  song, 

I'll  sing  thy  power  to  save, 
When  this  poor  lisping,  stamm'ring  tongue, 

Lies  silent  in  the  grave. 

2.  Take  the  name  of  Jesus  with  you. 

Take  the  name  of  Jesus  with  you, 

Child  of  sorrow  and  of  woe — 
It  will  joy  and  comfort  give  you, 
Take  it  then  where'er  you  go. 
Chorus. — Precious  name,  &c. 

Take  the  name  of  Jesus  ever, 

As  a  shield  from  every  snare. 
If  temptations  round  you  gather, 

Breathe  that  holy  name  in  prayer. 

0,  the  precious  name  of  Jesus, 

How  it  thrills  our  soul  with  joy, 
When  his  loving  arms  receive  us. 

And  his  songs  our  tongues  employ. 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


3.  I  love  to  tell  the  Story. 

I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

Of  unseen  things  above  ; 
Of  Jesus  and  his  glory, 
Of  Jesus  and  his  love. 
I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

Because  I  know  it's  true  ; 
It  satisfies  my  longings, 
As  nothing  else  would  do. 
Chorus. — I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

'Twill  be  my  theme  in  glory, 
To  tell  the  old,  old  story, 
Of  Jesus  and  his  love. 

I  love  to  tell  the  story. 

More  wonderful  it  seems, 
Than  all  the  golden  fancies 

Of  all  our  golden  dreams. 
I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

It  did  so  much  for  me. 
And  that  is  just  the  reason 

I  tell  it  now  to  thee. 

I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

For  those  who  know  it  best, 
Seem  hungering  and  thirsting 

To  hear  it  like  the  rest. 
And  when,  in  scenes  of  glory, 

I  sing  the  new,  new  song, 
'Twill  be  the  old,  old  story, 

That  I  have  loved  so  long. 

Lord  I  care  not  for  Riches. 

Lord  I  care  not  for  riches, 

Neither  silver  nor  gold  ; 
I  would  make  sure  of  hearen, 

I  would  enter  the  fold. 
In  the  book  of  thy  kingdom. 

With  its  pages  so  fair. 
Tell  me,  Jesus  my  Saviour, 

Is  my  name  written  there  ? 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


81 


Chorus. — Is  my  name  written  there,  &c. 
Lord  my  sins  there  are  many, 

Like  the  sands  of  the  sea, 
But  thy  blood,  Oh  my  Saviour, 

Is  suflBcient  for  me  ; 
For  thy  promise  is  written, 

In  bright  letters  that  glow, 
Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet, 

I  will  make  them  like  snow. 

6.   Deliverance  will  come. 

I  saw  a  way-worn  traveller. 

In  tattered  garments  clad. 
And  struggling  up  the  mountain. 

It  seemed  that  he  was  sad. 
His  back  was  laden  heavy. 

His  strength  was  almost  gone, 
Yet  he  shouted  as  he  iourneyed, 

Deliverance  will  come  ! 
Chorus. — Then  palms  of  victory,  crowns  of  glory, 
Palms  of  victory,  I  shall  wear. 

While  gazing  on  that  city, 

Just  o'er  the  narrow  flood, 
A  band  of  holy  angels, 

Came  from  the  throne  of  God. 
They  bore  him  on  their  pinions, 

Safe  o'er  the  dashing  foam. 
And  joined  him  in  his  triumph — 

Deliverance  has  come  I 

I  heard  the  song  of  triumph. 

They  sang  upon  the  shore, 
Saying,  Jesus  has  redeemed  us 

To  suffer  never  more. 
Then  casting  his  eyes  backward. 

On  the  race  which  he  had  run. 
He  shouted  loud  hosannah — 

Deliverance  has  come  I 


82 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


6th.  One  of  the  grand  results  of  this  great  Tent 
meeting  has  been  that  the  cause  of  temperance  has 
been  subserved.  Two  great  mass  meetings,  each  on  a 
Saturday  evening,  were  successfully  held.  A  young, 
energetic  gentleman,  a  working  son  of  temperance, 
a  Jew,  Mr.  S.  Sternberger,  did  nobly  in  getting  up 
the  meetings.  He  won  my  heart  by  his  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  temperance.  No  charge  for  the  great  tent 
was  made,  but  the  committee  kindly  handed  our 
Tent  Association  the  collections.  Friend  Supplee, 
a  young  man  of  promise,  a  Quaker,  delivered  the 
opening  speech  at  the  first  meeting.  He  was  con- 
vincing in  his  arguments,  and  witty  as  w^ell  as 
solid,  and  won  the  admiration  of  all  who  heard 
him.  From  his  fine  physique  and  his  nobility  of 
heart,  it  is  to  me  passing  strange  that  he  should  be 
what  some  call  "  an  old  bachelor,"  and  we  trust  the 
day  will  soon  come  when  he  will  feel  it  is  "  not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone."  "  0  fie  upon  this  single 
life !  forego  it." 

For  the  Friends  I  have  an  unquenchable  love,  no 
doubt  much  heightened  by  the  fact  that  my  mother 
was  one  till  death ;  and  my  first  wife  was  one ;  she 
was  educated  at  the  Quaker  West-town  Boarding 
School.  How  generous  the  Friends  have  been  to 
us  in  our  Tent  work  on  this  occasion. 

Mr.  Joseph  Clough,  of  the  firm  of  Carson  & 
Clough,  in  Twenty-fourth  above  Green,  acquitted 
himself  well  in  both  meetings.  He  spoke  of  total 
abstinence  as  being  gpod  for  health,  promotive  of 
domestic  happiness,  and  amongst  the  rest  he  had 
found  it  good  for  his  pocket.    How  many  fortunes 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


83 


have  been  wasted  by  dissipation  and  riotous  living? 
.  He  referred  to  his  church  relations  incidentally, 
and  spoke  in  high  terms  of  commendation  of  this 
great  Tent  arrangement  under  the  auspices  of  Rev. 
A.  Manship,  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  "  I  am  a  Blue 
Stocking  Presbyterian,  but  appreciate  such  works 
of  faith  and  labors  of  love  as  these.  May  God 
bless  our  indefatigable  brother  M. !" 

Kind  words  are  very  refreshing,  and  it  is  said 
shall  never  die ;  and  yet  actions  speak  louder  than 
words,  and  with  a  grateful  heart  I  say  in  reference 
to  the  above-named  Christian  brother,  "  A  friend  in 
need  is  a  friend  indeed.''  He  has  been  such  a 
friend  to  me  in  carrying  forward  this  work.  To 
no  one  are  we  under  such  great  obligations.  May 
he  not  lose  his  reward. 

7th.  Only  believe.''  The  beginning  of  the 
Workingmens'  Meeting  no  doubt  was  laughed  at; 
but  I  have  learned  that  you  can  lead  men  where 
you  cannot  drive  them.  We  distributed  one  thou- 
sand printed  invitations  to  workingmen  ;  and  up  to 
this  writing,  September  14th  1883,  every  working 
day  has  been  utilized,  and  divine  services  have 
been  held  between  twelve  and  one,  rain  or  shine ; 
and  we  felt  willing  to  endure  criticism  for  the  sake 
of  the  hope  of  doing  good,  and  participating  in  the 
joy  that  should  follow 

*'  Revolt  is  recreant,  when  pursuit  is  brave  ; 
Never  to  faint,  doth  purchase  what  we  crave." 

8th.  At  the  afternoon  meeting,  on  the  13th  Sep- 
tember 1883,  we  had  in  attendance,  while  the  rain 


84 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


came  copiously  down,  representatives  of  eight  differ- 
ent denominations :  Roman  Catholic,  Episcopalian, 
Baptist,  United  Brethren,  Salvation  Army,  Presby- 
terian, Jew  and  Methodist;  we  had  amongst  the  non- 
professors  two  sailors.  We  sang  sailor  hymns,  and 
personally  conversed  with  them  about  coming  on 
board  of  the  Gospel  ship,  and  sailing  with  us  for 
Canaan's  peaceful  shore.    We  sang — 

Come  on  board  and  ship  for  glory, 
Be  in  haste,  make  up  your  mind  ; 

For  our  vessel  is  weighing  anchor, 
You'll  soon  be  left  behind." 

My  readers  will  pardon  us  for  saying,  that  on 
that  occasion,  feeling  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory 
to  God,  we  said,  notwithstanding  the  state  of  the 
weather  and  the  impracticability  of  our  worship- 
ping in  the  Tent  at  night,  to-morrow  we  will  be 
favored  with  clear  weather;  to-morrow  morning  the 
sun  will  gild  the  eastern  heavens,  and  our  meetings 
will  be  resumed  with  fresh  enthusiasm  and  power." 
Early  on  Friday  I  was  up  and  fully  expected  to 
see  it  bright  and  glorious,  and  so  it  was ;  and  our 
milk-dealer,  Mr.  Uber,  handed  in,  unasked,  a  bright 
dollar  for  the  cause,  and  this  was  not  the  first  offer- 
ing from  him.  He  was  with  us  in  sympathy  from 
beginning  to  end,  though  not  a  member  of  any 
church.  And  so  we  expect  a  bright  day,  and  we 
hope  to  have  bright  conversions.  According  to 
your  faith,  be  it  unto  you."  "  Great  is  thy  faith, 
oh  woman,  be  it  unto  thee  as  thou  wilt." 

Friday,  September  14th  1883.  A  very  interesting 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


85 


meeting  amongst  the  workingmen,  between  twelve 
and  one  o'clock.  I  explained  "  Onesimus,  the  un- 
profitable servant,"  and  occupied  twelve  minutes  in 
showing  :  1st.  The  condescension  of  Paul.  He  calls 
him  "my  sonf  2d.  It  is  impossible  to  stop  the 
spread  of  the  gospel.  The  apostle  was  a  prisoner, 
but  God's  word  was  not  bound.  3d.  Never  despair 
of  the  salvation  of  any  sinner ;  while  there  is  life 
there  is  hope !  Onesimus  was  saved,  and  why  not 
poor,  wicked  sinners  of  all  ages  ?  4th.  God  works 
by  weak  instrumentalities.  This  servant  or  slave 
was  so  useful,  so  profitable  to  thee,  Philemon,  and  to 
me,  Paul  the  Apostle.  5th.  How  profitable,  gentle- 
men, is  religion  in  life,  and  especially  in  death,  and 
to  all  eternity.    Embrace  it !    Why  not  to-day  ? 

The  revival  service  at  three  was  very  interesting. 
An  aged  patriarch  spoke;  converted  through  the 
labors  of  Rev.  Henry  White,  over  fifty  years  ago, 
on  Deal's  Island,  Maryland.  A  young  Evangelist 
of  the  Baptist  Church,  Mr.  Edith,  thrilled  us  with 
instances  which  he  gave,  where  the  gospel  had  res- 
cued the  perishing !  He  was  to  us  most  truly  a 
helper.  At  night  Rev.  Mr.  Graff*,  of  Roxborough 
M.  E.  Church,  preached  on  "  What  wilt  thou  do  when 
thou  comest  to  the  swellings  of  Jordan  ?"  It  was  a 
moving,  eloquent  sermon,  purely  extemporaneous  ; 
creditable  to  his  head  and  heart.  No  wonder  his 
church  is  rising  and  flaming  with  the  glory  of  God. 
No  wonder  his  people  are  noble  in  their  bearing 
towards  him.  I  prophesy  for  this  young  man  a  suc- 
cessful career,  not  only  in  his  beautiful  church  at 
Roxborough,  but  all  through  his  ministerial  life. 


86 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Would  that  we  had  many  hundred  like  him ;  meth- 
odical, clear-headed,  warm-hearted ;  singing  and 
laboring  in  all  proper  methods  for  the  salvation  of 
souls.  Mr.  Harrison,  an  intelligent  speaker,  fol- 
lowed with  a  stirring  appeal  to  the  people  to  em- 
brace the  religion  of  Christ,  and  not  be  sectarian ; 
that  we  were  one  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 

*'  He  must  reign  victorious, 
In  Heaven  and  earth  most  glorious  I" 

Mr.  H.'s  labors  were  salutary  among  us.  A  solid  old 
Methodist  from  Delaware  county,  Mr.  Trace,  offered 
up  a  prayer  full  of  the  unction  of  the  Holy  One. 
I  was  glad  to  meet  this  veteran.  I  first  knew  him 
at  Stony  Bank  M.  E.  Church.  He  is  now  a  member 
of  Central  M.  E.  Church,  of  this  city,  pressed  down 
by  the  weight  of  years,  but  as  a  ripe  shock  of  corn, 
fitted  and  prepared  for  the  master's  use. 

Saturday  September  15th  1883.  The  Working- 
mens'  Meeting  was  deeply  interesting.  I  was  late 
getting  in.  Mr.  McKnight,  a  U.  S.  letter  carrier, 
zealous  in  the  master's  cause,  had  brought  with  him 
the  Evangelist  from  Brooklyn,  Mr.  Shevier,  who  is 
one  of  Mr.  Moody's  spiritual  children,  and  was 
brought  on  here  to  preach  in  Restine  Hall,  and 
in  the  street  in  the  southern  part  of  the  city,  I  learn 
at  a  decent  salary.  For  "how  can  they  preach  ex- 
cept they  be  sent?"  This  stirring  young  man  made 
a  most  vigorous  prayer,  and  I  arranged  with  him 
to  speak  on  Monday,  the  17th  of  September,  to  the 
workingmen.  Such  men  do  good  and  "  raise  the 
fallen."     I  delivered,  according  to  my  pledge, 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


87 


my  twenty-fourth  sermon  in  twenty-four  working 
days.  My  theme  was,  "  If  thou  hadst  known  in 
this  thy  day,  the  things  that  belong  to  thy  peace? 
but  now  they  are  hid  from  thine  eyes.'' 

I.  What  are  the  things  we  ought  to  know  ?  1. 
We  ought  to  know  God.  We  ought  to  know  how 
sinful  we  are ;  ttiat  none  can  save  but  Jesus. 

II.  There  is  a  limited  time  when  we  should 
know^  the  things  that  belong  to  our  peace.  We  all 
have  our  day  of  grace ;  our  day  of  probation.  1. 
Our  youthful  period.  2.  The  blessed  Sabbath  is  a 
good  time  to  study  such  important  truths.  3.  When 
God's  holy  spirit  is  poured  out  and  there  is  a  great 
awakening  amongst  the  people.  4.  When  in  afflic- 
tion's furnace. 

III.  How  sad  when  these  things  are  hidden  from 
our  eyes.  1.  This  may  be  said  when  we  are  by  our 
persuits  in  life  or  otherwise,  removed  far  away  from 
the  means  of  grace.  As  workingmen  we  are  thus 
liable  when  called  to  foreign  lands  to  build  railroads, 
or  engage  in  some  extensive  building  or  mining 
operations.  We  never  hear  the  sound  of  the  church- 
going  bell.  2.  This  may  be  said  to  be  the  case 
when  we  become  sin-hardened.  No  sermon  or 
religious  service  now  ever  causes  us  to  shed  tears. 
The  time  was  when  we  could  weep,  but  now  these 
things  are  hidden  from  our  eyes.  3.  It  may  be 
said  when  death  lays  us  low  in  the  grave,  there  is 
no  work,  or  device  or  wisdom  in  the  grave,  whither 
thou  goest.  4.  It  certainly  can  be  said  these  things 
are  hidden  from  our  eyes  when  it  is  said,  "these 
shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment  or  "  dark- 


88 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


ness.  No  light,  not  a  cheering  beam  of  hope,  or 
spark  of  glimmering  day. 

On  the  evening  of  this  day  Rev.  Mr.  Denning, 
of  the  Baptist  church,  made  a  most  happy  effort,  on 
"What  must  I  do  to  be  saved?''  clear  in  doc- 
trine, energetic  in  manner,  and  bent  on  being 
instrumental  in  the  salvation  of  a  blood-bought 
soul.  This  young  man  has  a  noble  mind  and 
heart,  and  all  obstructions  to  the  regular  work 
of  the  ministry  in  his  case  ought  to  be  removed. 
God  has  a  great  work  for  him  to  do.  Rev.  Mr. 
Hambleton  was  in  the  meeting;  I  called  him  for- 
ward; he  certainly  did  "rightly  divide  the  word 
of  truth"  on  the  same  line  of  doctrine.  This 
grand,  but  apparently  rather  delicate  minister, 
preaching  on  the  street  or  elsewhere,  will  strike 
a  heavy  blow  against  infidelity  and  formality  in 
religion.  I  knew  him  in  the  days  of  his  youth ;  I 
knew  him  when  he  worked  manfully  to  build  up  a 
Methodist  Episcopal  interest  on  Haverford  Road, 
West  Philadelphia,  which  always  appeared  to  me 
failed  to  receive  that  attention  from  "the  higher 
powers"  of  our  grand  aggressive  church  that  its 
merits  demanded.  The  young  evangelist  who  was 
to  have  addressed  the  workingmen,  Monday,  Sept. 
17th,  did  not,  for  some  cause,  meet  the  engagement. 
We  all  deeply  regretted  it ;  no  doubt  he  had  a  good 
reason.  Rev.  Mr.  Hanibleton  also  made  an  engage- 
ment to  preach  on  Tuesday  evening,  September 
18th,  and  was  at  his  post,  and  so  explained  God's 
plan  of  saving  men,  that  an  interesting  man,  who 
went  all  through  the  late  war,  and  whom  God  pro- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS 


89 


tected  from  the  bullets  of  the  enemy  though  he  was 
in  seventeen  battles,  was  impressed.  King  Alcohol 
had  conquered  him  and  brought  him  down  exceed- 
ingly low.  He  was  led  into  the  great  Tent,  hardly 
clothed  in  his  right  mind,"  and  then  and  there 
under  the  preaching  of  Bro.  Hambleton  he  was 
gloriouslj^  saved.  My  readers  will  read  the  follow- 
ing letter  with  pleasure : 

Philadelphia,  November  6th  1883. 

Bev.  a.  Manship, 

My  Dear  Sir :  In  thinking  over  the  past  of  my  life,  there 
occurs  one  event,  fraught  with  greater  importance  to  me  than 
any  other  within  my  remembrance,  and  one  which  gave  me  a 
new  birth  even  into  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  I  refer  to  my  first  visit  at  the  revival  meetings,  conducted 
by  you  in  the  Great  Tent,  corner  of  Broad  and  Spring  Garden 
streets,  last  summer.  It  was  during  one  of  the  evening  services, 
that  I  found  myself  at  the  entrance  listening  to  the  words 
^*  Nearer  my  God  to  Thee,  nearer  to  Thee."  That  sacred  song 
brought  fresh  to  my  mind  the  early  teachings  of  a  Christian 
mother.  And  notwithstanding  that,  I  was  then  a  willing  captive 
of  intemperance,  and  led  by  Satan,  I  began  to  reflect  and  was 
fastened  to  the  spot ;  then  followed  the  hymn,  "  There  is  a  foun- 
tain filled  with  blood,  drawn  from  ImmanueFs  veins,"  and  I 
remembered  that  I  had  once  plunged  beneath  that  flood,"  but  I 
had  broken  my  covenant,  and  was  then  at  the  very  threshold  of 
hell.  I  went  into  the  Tent,  and  I  hardly  need  tell  you  the 
result.  The  kind  welcome  that  you  gave  me,  ani  your  earnest 
and  powerful  exhortation  softened  my  hardened  heart,  and  there 
and  then  was  the  turning  point  in  my  life. 

And  thus  it  is,  my  dear  brother,  that  I  am  prompted  to  write  this 
and  thank  you  for  your  untiring  and  successful  effbrt  to  save  me 
from  a  drunkard's  grave,  and  a  drunkard's  hell.  That  God  may 
always  bless  you  in  your  labors  of  love  will  be  my  constant 
prayer. 

Would  to  God  that  other  Christian  ministers  would  imitate  your 


90 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


example,  and  cut  loose  from  their  gilded  churches  of  pomp  and 
state,  and  go  out  into  the  by-ways  and  hedges,"  crying  as  did 
John  in  the  wilderness,  "  Repent  ye,  repent  ye,  for  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven  is  at  hand."  As  one  that  was  once  lost,  hut  now  found, 
I  am  a  living  witness  of  many  souls  whom  you  were  instrumental 
in  leading  to  the  Cross  of  Christ,  and  to-day  the  great  workshops 
in  the  vicinity  of  Broad  and  Spring  Garden  streets  resound  with 
songs  of  praise  learned  in  the  Great  Tent. 

May  He  who  spake  as  never  man  spake,  continue  to  speak 
through  you,  the  precious  message  of  salvation,  and  may  you  live 
yet  these  many  years  in  the  Master's  service,  and  finally  on  the 
white  hills  of  peace  unite  with  the  redeemed  in  an  endless  song 
of  Glory  to  the  Lamb,  is  the  prayer  of 

Yours  in  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ, 

George  W.  Turner. 

The  Sabbath  services,  September  16th,  were 
solemn  and  deeply  interesting.  Rev.  S.  H.  C.  Smith, 
pastor  of  Salem  M.  E.  Church,  Phila.,  preached, 
though  it  was  exceedingly  warm,  an  earnest  and 
thrilling  sermon  on  "  the  great  supper  or  feast."  No 
sermon  delivered  in  the  Tent  was  more  appropriate. 
He  told  the  people  so  energetically  there  was  room 
for  them,  in  God's  mercy,  in  the  atoning  merits 
of  Christ,  in  the  church,  and,  the  best  of  all,  room 
in  Heaven.  Though  many  millions  had  accepted 
thft  invitation,  there  still  was  room  for  all  the  race, 
and 

None  need  be  left  behind, 

For  God  had  bidden  all  mankind." 

The  evening  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  J.  M. 
Golday,  on  ''In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions." The  sermon  showed"  that  he  heeded  the 
Apostolic  direction,  "Study  to  show  thyself  ap- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


91 


proved."  He  was  most  cordially  approved  by  the 
large  congregation,  who,  spell  bound,  listened  to 
the  delivery  of  the  discourse  with  unabated  atten- 
tion to  its  conclusion.  This  brother  has  taken 
many  degrees  in  the  Ancient  Order  of  Free  Masonry, 
for  which  I  do  not  blame  him  ;  but  he  did,  on  that 
occasion,  "purchase  for  himself  a  good  degree," 
and  ]  hope  the  church  will  say  to  this  valuable 
man  of  God,  "  come  up  higher."  There  are  many 
bright  jewels  amongst  our  local  ministers — yes, 
diamonds  of  the  purest  water — who  are  fully  able 
to  fill  any  of  our  pulpits  with  acceptability.  "  Try 
them,  prove  them,  see  what  manner  of  spirit  they 
are  of."  For  some  days  we  have  been  interrupted 
by  the  storm  ;  but  the  Workingmens'  Meeting  never 
stopped,  though  the  equinoctial  storm  raged;  they 
w^ere  at  their  post  every  day. 

Friday,  September  21st  1883,  was  an  interesting 
day,  in  all  the  three  services.  The  Workingmens' 
Meeting  was  large.  I  took  as  my  theme,  "  Oh  that 
I  knew  where  I  might  find  him,"  &c.  I  told  them 
where  they  could  find  their  God,  and  one  of  the 
places  was  in  his  blessed  v/ord.  I  said  to  the  men, 
I  do  not  wish  to  press  God's  word  upon  you,  but 
each  one  of  you  who  will  promise  to  duly  respect 
the  New  Testament,  and  read  it  carefully,  and  keep 
it  as  a  remembrancer  of  these  earnest  efforts  to 
"  lead  you  to  Christ,"  come  forward  and  receive  a 
copy  from  me.  Sixty-five  w^orkingmen  did  so  in 
the  most  solemn  and  grateful  manner.  Thanks  to 
the  Bible  Society  for  many  favors  shown  to  me. 
After  this  interesting  event  I  asked  Rev.  Mr.  Tor- 


92 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


rence  to  come  out  to  the  great  Tent  and  preach  for 
us ;  he  did  so  acceptably  to  everybody.  This  grand 
apostolic  preacher  has  grown  grey  in  spreading,  in 
the  shape  of  the  Bible,  "  Scriptural  holiness  all  over 
these  lands,"  especially  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 
As  an  evidence  of  his  talent,  business  ability  and 
great  integrity,  he  has  been  Secretary  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Bible  Society  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a 
century,  and  at  Chester  Heights  Camp  Meeting, 
in  July  last,  I  heard  him  deliver  the  best  Bible 
address  I  ever  heard.  He  is  master  of  the  situa- 
tion. He  was  associated  with  Rev.  Dr.  Hunt,  one 
of  the  secretaries  of  the  Parent  Bible  Society,  and, 
it  is  said,  likely  to  be  a  Bishop  in  the  M.  E.  Church; 
be  it  so,  if  it  be  God's  will.  Nevertheless,  Rev. 
Irvin  Torrence  was  his  equal  on  that  occasion.  If 
the  people  that  day  had  had  the  power  to  elect,  Mr. 
Torrence  would  have  stood  as  good  a  chance  as  his 
illustrious  cotemporary. 

A  few  words  more  about  that  Friday  meeting  at 
3  p.  M., — it  was  small ;  I  tried  to  address  them  on 
great  results  from  small  things.  Two  men  and  a 
most  respectable  lady  sought  the  Lord ;  and  in  the 
night  service,  conducted  by  the  Rev.  John  F.  Mere- 
dith, we  had  a  glorious  meeting.  His  theme  was 
Christ  came  "  to  seek  and  save  that  which  was  lost." 
A  man  whose  hair  was  sprinkled  with  grey  knelt 
at  our  humble  altar;  amongst  other  things  we 
gathered  from  him  was  the  following :  He  was  lost 
by  his  love  for  liquor ;  and  also  that  he  hoped  to  be 
found,  for  he  had  an  aged  mother  still  alive  and 
praying  for  him.    She  had  been  a  Christian  for 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


93 


sixty  years.  This  was  an  intelligent  man ;  a  good 
mechanic,  but  lost!  lost!!  lost!!!  unless  saved  and 
found  by  the  grace  of  God.  Oh  !  that  yet  that  ven- 
erable mother  may  live  to  be  able  to  say,  "  This,  my 
son,  was  lost,  but  is  found ;  was  dead,  but  is  alive 
again!"  No  minister,  in  this  line  of  rescuing  the 
perishing,  did  better  service  than  Rev.  Jacob  Hinson, 
in  his  stirring  sermon. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Rev.  John  F.  Meredith — Change  our  Bulletin — Christian  Union — 
Keep  the  Churches  open — Rev.  Mr.  Anderson — will  cut  the 
ropes" — Mr.'  Geo.  Burnham  shows  his  respect — Mrs.  Young's 
courage  in  the  Workingmens'  Meeting — Presentation  of  Preamble 
and  Resolutions — My  last  Sermon  to  the  Men — I  invite  them  to 
Sanctuary — They  give  me  their  card  in  return  for  mine — Rev.  Mr. 
Harrison  takes  Rev.  Dr.  Vernon's  place — Rev.  John  A.  Roche,  D.D. 
— "  Certainly  I  Certainly  1  Certainly  !" — Are  the  Consolations  of 
God  small  with  thee?" — Rev.  Dr.  Roche  my  first  guest — A  two 
Months'  Review — Grand  Ministers — Rev.  James  Morrow,  D.D., 
Rev.  Dr.  Curtis  F.  Turner,  Rev.  Adam  Wallace,  D.D., — Reach 
the  Masses — The  Race  for  Glory  and  Fighting  for  a  Crown — The 
Closing  Services — Rev.  Dr.  Roche  at  Mr.  Rose's  Funeral — Tent 
stored  for  another  Campaign — The  Narrow  Way — A  Soul  saved  in 
the  Plank  Tent — The  German  Parade  utilized  for  Tent  Work — 
All  People  indebted  to  the  Church — The  Sale  of  Lumber  by  Faith 
and  Works — Led  by  the  Lord — The  Dedication  of  John  Wesley 
Church,  Salem  Co.,  N.  J.— A  Tent  Pitched— The  Webb  Family 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Still — A  Straight  up  and  down  Shout. 

THE  Sabbath,  September  23d  was  dreary  to  some 
extent,  but  faithful  to  his  promise  Eev.  John  F. 
Meredith  was  at  his  post,  and  never  did  I  hear  in 


94 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


forty  years'  experience  in   the  ministry  such  a 
sermon  on  the  prodigal  son.    I  preached  it  once 
myself  to  5000  people  at  a  great  camp  meeting  on  a 
Sunday.    He  bore  heavily  on  sensual  pleasures, 
and  gratifying  animal  passions  and  appetites.  I 
said  in  my  heart  thank  God  for  a  bold,  fearless 
minister.    On  such  themes  the  pulpit  is  too  much 
hampered.    He  said,     they  have  (many  people) 
joined  themselves  to  a  citizen  of  that  country,"  and 
the  work  they  do  is  demoralizing  and  degrading 
to  humanity.    While  I  listened  to  this  truly  earn- 
est and  eloquent  friend,  I  said,  ^'  Is  Saul  amongst 
the  prophets     Is  that  able  minister,  that  fearless 
servant  of  God,  the  young  carpenter  that  I  used  to 
know  learning  his  trade  with  Samuel  Draper,  Esq., 
of  Milford,  Delaware?    I  was  drawn  more  towards 
him  because  he  was  from  my  native  (Caroline) 
county,  Md. ;  because  he  jeopardized  his  life  in  the 
service  of  his  country,  and  because  on  the  (to  me) 
memorable  Conference  Committee  of  1879,  at  Ger- 
mantown,  he  was  as  true  to  me  as  the  needle  to  the 
pole.    The  Committee  on  Conference  Relations  had 
a  short  life.    Did  it  even  run  well  for  a  season? 
"Who  did  hinder  you ?" 

What  an  honor  to  Caroline  co.  to  have  not  only 
Rev.  John  F.  Meredith,  but  Rev.  James  E.  Mere- 
dith, his  elder  brother,  a  faithful  and  useful  minister 
of  the  glorious  Gospel,  now  gone  to  his  reward.  Is 
it  not  strange  that  Rev.  B.  F.  Price,  of  Wilmington 
Conference,  in  his  letters  on  "  Our  Goshen^^^  when  he 
came  to  Caroline  county,  could  not  feel  free  to  men- 
tion, to  the  best  of  my  recollection,  any  minister 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS.  95 

there  raised  up,  except  the  great  Rev.  Mr.  Martin- 
dale,  to  whom  the  present  Presiding  Elder  Mar- 
tindale  is  related,  and  left  all  the  rest  of  us  out ; 
we  too  would  like  to  be  numbered  with  our  Israel. 
Is  it  possible  that  my  friend,  Eev.  B.  F.  Price,  who 
is  so  intelligent  and  so  amiable,  did  not  know  that 
county  was  the  birthplace  of  Rev.  Ezekiel  Cooper, 
Rev.  Solomon  Sharp,  Rev.  Wm.  Cooper,  D.D.,  Rev. 
James  Nichols,  the  talented,  though  unfortunate 
great  orator,  in  his  palmy  days  a  burning  and 
shining  light?  Rev.  Bromwell  Andrew  and  the 
zealous  Robert  Ray,  that  shine  now  in  glory? 
Why  did  Rev.  B.  F.  Price  leave  out  Rev.  Bishop 
Wayman?  Did  he  do  it  on  the  color  line?  That 
is  too  late  in  the  day.  "  The  night  is  far  spent,  the 
day  is  at  hand."  None,  we  think,  deserves  to  shine 
more  in  this  world,  than  the  spirited,  original 
and  glorious  man  of  God,  Rev.  John  F.  Meredith, 
who  preached  in  the  great  Tent  Broad  and  Spring 
Garden  streets,  on  the  afternoon  of  23d  September, 
the  greatest  sermon  perhaps,  of  his  life.  Such  a 
minister  is  a  savor  of  life  unto  life,  and  would  be 
a  blessing  to  any  church  in  the  Philadelphia,  or  any 
other  conference,  however  elevated  its  tone. 

We  are  now  entering  upon  our  last  week,  and  we 
changed  our  bulletin,  and  hung  out  boldly  that  we 
hold  camp  meeting  services ;  and  as  the  first  camp 
meeting  was  held  on  the  banks  of  the  Red  River  in 
Tennessee,  avid  conducted  by  Presbyterians,  Bap- 
tists and  Methodists,  so  we,  on  our  bulletin,  asked 
those  sister  denominations  to  take  a  prominent  part. 
This  they  did  do,  and  on  Sunday  night  of  the  23d, 


96 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


the  meeting  was  large,  and  Christian  union  was  the 
idea  all  the  time;  "the  middle  wall  of  partition 
was  broken  down."  Mr.  Wismer,  of  Grace  M.  E. 
Church,  who  is  devoted  to  Christian  union,  made  a 
thrilling  address,  and  illustrated  his  happy  theme 
by  a  large  cross,  which  he  brought  with  him.  I  do 
not  object  to  the  cross,  it  carries  us  right  up  to  Cal- 
vary, and  we  say,  "  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory 
save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ !" 

**  The  cross  of  Christ  I'll  cherish, 
Its  crucifixion  bear ; 
All  hail  reproach  and  sorrow, 
If  Jesus  leads  me  there." 

Rev.  Mr.  Denning,  of  the  Baptist  Church,  de- 
livered an  address  on  the  same  line,  full  of  unction, 
and  we  all  felt  like  uniting  in  the  grand  old  song 
(and  we  did),  with  the  tune  of  "Coronation": — 

All  hail  the  power  of  Jesus'  name, 

Let  angels  prostrate  fall ; 
Bring  forth  the  royal  diadem, 

And  crown  Him  Lord  of  all  I" 

Mr.  Clough,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  spoke 
very  spiritedly  on  the  importance  of  churches 
being  opened  in  the  summer  time.  He  said, 
^'Some  time  in  August  I  met  a  Christian  brother; 
he  had  gone  to  three  different  churches  and  found 
them  all  closed  on  Sabbath  evening,  and  he  said? 
this  is  too  bad.''  I  said  to  him,  "  Come  with  me,  I 
will  take  you  to  a  place  of  worship  always  open, 
day  and  night,  Sundays  and  week  days  !    I  brought 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


97 


him  with  me ;  he  was  delighted.  Ought  not  we  to 
be  at  our  post  at  all  seasons  of  the  year  as  good 
soldiers  of  Christ?"  Mr.  Clough's  remarks  were 
full  of  power  and  brotherly  kindness.  When  he 
parted  with  me  he  said,  "  Brother  Manship,  Rev. 
Mr.  Anderson,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  a  col- 
ored brother,  will  preach  for  you  any  night  you 
wish  him.  I  fixed  the  jiight ;  he  was  at  his  post, 
and  most  uncommonly  and  originally  preached 
from,  "And  who  is  on  the  Lord's  side?"  He  was 
so  unassuming,  so  modest,  but  so  intelligent  and 
earnest,  and  as  he  passed  out  of  the  Tent  he 
handed  me  a  half  dollar  saying,  "  that  will  help  a 
little  towards  paying  your  expenses."  How  much 
better  ministers  can  stir  up  others  to  be  liberal  if 
they  give  themselves.  I  have  been  considered  too 
free;  I  have  known  some  just  the  reverse.  It  has 
been  said  I  was  a  good  hand  to  superientend  the 
taking  up  of  a  collection.  I  think  the  best  quality 
of  success  with  me  in  taking  up  a  collection  has 
been  I  have  always  been  free  to  give  myself,  as  far 
as  I  could,  but  it  will  come  back  in  some  way. 
God's  word  is  pledged. 

It  has  been  urged,  as  an  objection  to  camp  meet- 
ings, that  there  is  always  too  much  disorder.  In 
our  camp  services  we  were  very  seriously  annoyed 
one  day  by  an  intoxicated  man,  in  the  employ  of 
Mr.  McNichol,  the  lessee  of  the  lot.  He  seemed 
wonderfully  concerned  for  Mr.  McNichoFs  property, 
and  said  to  us,  "  If  you  fellows  do  not  produce  the 
large  sledge-hammers  that  were  used  of  ours  by  the 
showmen,  I  will  cut  the  ropes  of  the  Tent  and  let 


98 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


it  down  on  the  whole  of  you Our  afternoon  ser- 
vice was  about  beginning.  I  expostulated  with  him. 
If  the  showmen  had  mislaid  their  hammers  we 
were  not  responsible,  and  we  must  not  be  disturbed 
in  this  free  country  in  our  religious  worship.  He 
cursed  the  country  and  the  religion,  and  swore  he 
would  cut  the  ropes !  At  this  juncture,  Dr.  Web- 
ster, who  had  been  with  the  show,  and  was  our  jani- 
tor or  superintendent,  and  under  a  respectable 
salary,  came  to  the  rescue,  and  felt  inclined  not 
only  to  vindicate  the  show  people  but  also  to  pro- 
tect us.  He  said  "  Get  out  of  here  as  quick  as  pos- 
sible.'' "  No,"  said  he,  "  I  will  stay  till  the  hammers 
are  produced,  and  if  not  produced  I  will  cut  the 
ropes.''  Whereupon  Dr.  Webster  took  him  by  the 
back  of  the  neck  and  marched  him  out.  He  ap- 
peared quickly  thereafter  on  the  back  ground  and 
hurled  a  large  stone  with  great  violence  into  the 
Tent  at  Dr.  Webster,  so  the  excitement  and  fear  and 
trembling  was  considerable,  and  we  failed,  I  fear, 
to  do  much  good  at  that  afternoon  service.  This 
rashness  was  not  repeated.  This  was  not  by  the 
authority  of  our  friend  Mr.  McNichoJ.  The  Apostle 
says,  "I  have  fought  with  beasts  at  Ephesus;"  so  to 
some  extent  we  had  to  fight  with  wicked  men  in 
our  great  meeting;  but  we  tried  all  we  could  to 
overcome  evil  with  good,  and  no  one  was  arrested 
during  the  meeting,  which  was  held  so  long,  and 
on  such  a  public  thoroughfare  of  our  city,  except 
on  this  gospel  basis 

**  Arrest  the  prisoner  of  my  love, 
'  And  shut  me  up  in  God.*' 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


99 


On  the  29th  of  September,  at  noon,  or  between 
twelve  and  one  o'clock,  I  held  my  last  meeting  for 
the  workingmen.  This  was  my  thirty-sixth  day  in 
six  weeks,  preaching  every  week  day  in  six  weeks. 
We  fearlessly  and  truthfully  hung  out  our  sign  for 
a  Workingmens'  Meeting.  I  was  particularly  at- 
tracted and  pleased  by  the  kind  notices  of  the 
religious  papers,  except  that  there  seemed  to  be  a 
tendency  to  avoid  speaking  specifically  of  "  the 
Workingmens'  Meeting One  called  it  a  noon- 
day prayer  meeting.  We  had  very  little  praying 
except  the  Lord's  prayer  every  day,  and  a  few  words 
of  extempore  prayer  by  myself  or  some  good  Chris- 
tian man  or  woman  that  happened  to  drop  in.  We 
occasionally  read  a  chapter  or  had  a  recitation  from 
a  child  or  lady,  and  gave  the  workingmen  a  tract, 
or  paper,  and  as  we  said  in  a  previous  reference, 
they  gladly  received  the  New  Testament,  and 
preached  about  fifteen  minutes  daily  for  the  thirty- 
six  days.  If  we  suppose  we  are  going  to  lose  caste  by 
holding  or  publishing  in  our  grand  Methodist 
papers,  Workingmens'  Meetings,  we  are  greatly  mis- 
taken. Workingmen  are  not  ashamed  of  their  God 
instituted  calling.  They  are  the  bone  and  sinew 
of  this  broad  land.  The  experiment  was  a  grand 
success.  Let  me  say  to  all  my  fellow  laborers 
in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  with  great  modesty 
however,  "Go  thou  and  do  likewise Don't  be 
afraid  of  lowering  your  dignity,  or  giving  offence 
to  the  workingmen.  Mr.  George  Burnham,  of  Bald- 
win Locomotive  Works,  on  his  individual  responsi- 
bility, in  recognition  of  the  good  he  believed  to  be 


100 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


done  to  this  important  class  of  men,  after  kindly 
conversing  with  me  in  his  office  on  the  subject  of 
godliness  and  true  religion,  wrote  me  a  check  for 
twenty-five  dollars,  towards  our  Tent  work  ;  this  was 
a  tangible  proof  of  his  interest  in  the  welfare  of 
the  men.  We  tried  to  be  '^as  wise  as  a  serpent 
and  as  harmless  as  a  dove,"  hence  we  took  no  col- 
lection, amongst  the  workingmen,  our  hope  was  to 
come  up  to  the  spirit  of  the  passage,  "  He  that 
winneth  souls  is  wise!"  though  everybody  in  my 
range  of  acquaintance  knows  that  I  am  orthodox 
on  collections. 

I  must  mention  to  the  praise  of  a  good  woman 
worker,  who  spoke  one  day  a  few  kind  words,  and 
who  had  more  courage  than  I  possessed  ;  she  said : 
How  many  o£  you  desire  our  prayers,  and  desire  sal- 
vation ?  If  there  be  any,  please  rise."  I  was  much 
pleased  to  see  an  interesting  workingman  arise  and 
stand  up  for  Jesus,  and  ask  us  to  pray  for  him. 

The  following  paper,  which  was  unanimously 
adopted  by  them,  speaks  for  itself.  It  was  written 
and  presented  by  one  of  the  constant  attendants, 
who  was  one  of  the  trophies  of  this  gospel  expedi- 
tion in  the  great  Tent. 

Whereas,  the  Rev.  A.  Manship,  in  charge  of  the 
idigious  services  in  the  great  Tent  at  Broad  and 
Spring  Garden  streets,  during  August  and  September 
1883,  has,  for  thirty-six  days  in  succession,  clearly 
explained  to  us  the  passages  of  scripture  that  he 
has  taken  as  texts.  And  whereas,  he  has,  by  the 
distribution  of  tracts  and  copies  of  the  New  Testa- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


101 


ment  amongst  us,  and  in  every  proper  way  shown 
an  interest  in  our  spiritual  welfare.  Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved:  That  we  have  been  greatly  pleased  and 
benefited  by  his  faithful  and  earnest  short  sermons, 
and  we  believe  that  his  labors  have  and  will  be 
made  a  blessing  to  us. 

Resolved :  That  we  shall  ever  cherish  for  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Manship  the  most  kindly  feeling,  and  hope  at 
suitable  times  and  places  hereafter,  to  listen  to  his 
addresses,  and  profit  thereby. 

Resolved:  That  it  is  our  conviction  that  as  he  has 
avoided  sectarian  views,  and  faithfully  preached 
Christ,  that  his  example  is  worthy  of  imitation. 

Resolved :  That  should  the  Rev.  Mr.  Manship 
next  Summer  pitch  his  Tent  within  our  reach,  that 
it  will  be  our  greatest  pleasure  to  attend  similar 
evangelistic  services. 

Resolved:  That  should  we  meet  no  more  in  this 
way,  that  we  hope  to  meet  in  Heaven,  and  "rest 
from  our  labors"  in  a  better  world. 

Resolved :  That  the  public  are  greatly  indebted  to 
him  for  his  labors  and  sacrifices  in  this  great  Tent, 
and  we  indulge  the  hope  that  his  life  may  be  long 
spared  to  be  useful  to  others,  as  he  has  been  to  us. 

Resolved :  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  preamble 
and  resolutions  be  presented  to  him  for  publication. 

True  copy,  A.  R.  Scott,  Secretary. 

Rev.  A.  Manship  presented  a  resolution,  which 
was  adopted. 

Resolved  :  That  we,  the  workingmen,  do  sincerely 
thank  our  employers  who  have  taken  some  interest 


102 


A  BRIEF  HISTOKY 


in  these  meetings,  and  that  we  unite  with  Mr,  Man- 
ship  and  all  his  friends  in  giving  thanks  to  Mr. 
McNichol  for  the  free  use  of  the  ground,  and  to 
Mr.  William  H.  Nagle,  for  the  right  of  entrance  by 
means  of  a  wide  door,  at  the  N.W.  corner  of  Broad 
and  Spring  Garden  streets,  which  he  allowed  to  be 
kept  free  from  all  advertisements  being  posted 
during  our  meetings  of  over  two  months.  This 
wide  space  was  to  Mr.  Nagle  of  considerable  impor- 
tance as  the  proprietor  of  the  fence  for  advertising 
purposes.  He  charged  us  nothing,  and  to  him 
and  all  others  who  showed  us  favors  we  give  most 
cordial  thanks,  and  sincerely  hope  they  will  not 
lose  their  reward. 

My  last  discourse  to  the  workingmen  was  based 
on,  "  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered ;  the  time  of  my 
departure  is  at  hand.  I  have  fought  the  good 
fight,  I  have  kept  the  faith,  I  have  finished  my^ 
course,  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown 
of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord  the  righteous  Judge 
will  give  unto  me  in  that  day,  and  not  unto  me 
only  but  to  all  them  also  that  love  his  appearing." 
This  was  a  long  text,  but  I  preached  only  fifteen 
minutes,  sang  "the  sweet  by  and  by,"  and  gave 
every  man  my  card,  my  residence  and  the  location 
of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church,  requesting  them  to 
come  to  the  church  when  in  their  power.  I  also 
stated  to  them — they  had  my  card — if  at  any  hour 
of  the  night,  in  sickness  or  other  distress,  if  they 
would  let  mo  know,  I  would  come  in  the  name 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


103 


of  the  Lord  and  say,  "  Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye,  my 
people,  saith  your  God  !" 

The  workingraen,  at  least  many  of  them,  handed 
me  their  names  and  residences,  so  that  if  I  felt 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  write  to  them  or  visit 
them,  I  knew  the  way  and  could  walk  therein.  It 
strikes  me  that  all  thus  engaged  can  well  say,  "  I 
am  doing  a  great  work  and  cannot  come  down  to 
you ;  why  should  the  work  cease  while  I  leave  it 
and  come  down  to  you?"  " Give  him  all  kindness; 
I  had  rather  have  such  men  my  friends  than  ene- 
mies." 

The  last  Saturday  night  of  the  meeting,  the  29th 
September,  Rev.  Dr.  Vernon,  pastor  of  Trinity  M. 
E.  Church,  was  engaged  to  preach.  I  was  glad,  for 
I  hoped  the  Tent  meetings  would  do  his  church 
(Trinity)  good,  which  was  so  contiguous ;  but  I  felt 
grieved  to  learn,  by  a  note,  the  dear  brother  was 
not  able  to  be  out ;  it  was  rather  a  dreary  night, 
and  I  felt  he  ought  to  be  excused.  But  the  Lord 
will  provide.  Rev.  Mr.  Harrison,  of  a  sister  de- 
nomination, who  had  incog,  attended  all  my  meet- 
ings, and  helped  nobly  in  supporting  them  in  a 
financial  way,  did  preach  the  word  most  acceptably. 
He  was  "instant  in  season,"  and  he  certainly  did 
give  every  man  his  portion  in  due  season.  Such 
talents  ought  not  to  be  hidden  in  a  napkin.  Such 
a  light  ought  to  be  set  on  a  hill  where  it  could  not 
be  hid  or  put  under  a  bushel. 

I  had  written  to  and  received  from  Rev.  John  A, 
Roche,  D.D.,  the  following  letter : 


104 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


125  Willoughby  Avenue, 

Brooklyn,  Sept.  18th  1883. 

Rey.  a.  Manship  : 

Dear  Brother  :  Your  favor  is  received.  I  was  not  able 
to  answer  your  letter  of  invitation  till  I  saw  my  people,  I  re- 
joice in  the  work  of  God  you  are  doing.  It  seems  like  former 
times  to  hear  from  you. 

Providence  permitting,  I  will  hope  to  be  with  you  the  last 
Sabbath  you  name,  September  30th. 

I  pray  that  God  may  still  be  with  you,  and  bless  you  in  all 
your  work. 

Hoping  soon  to  see  you,  as  ever. 

Yours  in  Christ, 

J.  A.  Roche. 

He  had  just  arrived  from  Brooklyn,  and  was 
with  me.  He  followed  Mr.  Harrison  with  an  exhor- 
tation, and  justly  complimented  the  strong,  plain 
Gospel  views  advanced  by  Mr.  H. 

Early  Sabbath  morning  I  visited  our  tried  friend, 
Mr.  McNichol,  in  Race  street  near  Thirteenth,  who 
had  granted  every  favor  we  had  asked  at  his  hands. 
If  Protestant  Christians,  if  my  own  beloved  Metho- 
dist Church,  would  show  the  same  willingness  to 
"  do  good  to  all  men,"  it  would  contribute  largely 
in  bringing  about  the  millennium.  I  found  Mr. 
McNichol  too  sick  to  get  out  of  bed  to  meet  me.  I 
was  asked  to  go  up  into  his  room  and  see  him. 
This  I  gladly  did  do.  I  asked  him  for  a  few  other 
favors  relating  to  the  Tent.  1st.  Can  the  Tent 
stand  till  it  gets  dry ;  we  wish  to  put  it  away  in 
good  condition?  "Certainly,"  he  said.  2d.  Can 
the  lumber  remain  until  we  get  a  purchaser  for  it  ? 
He  said,  "  Certainly."    3d.  Can  I,  if  I  choose  to 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


105 


do  so,  occupy  the  board  Tent  for  religious  pur- 
poses for  a  short  time  ?  "  Certainly,  as  long  as  you 
please.''  Then  he  said,  with  much  emphasis,  I 
hope  the  Tent  work  will  be  much  to  your  advan- 
tage. I  want  it  to  benefit  you.  I  am  interested  in 
you.''  "  It  will  not  directly,  Mr.  McNichol,  be  any 
benefit  to  me,  except  the  happiness  it  will  give  me 
to  think  I  have  contributed  to  the  salvation  of  some 
precious  souls  that  otherwise  might  not  have  been 
reached,  and  increase  my  sphere  of  usefulness  in 
Philadelphia,  where  I  expect  to  live,  work  and  die. 
I  hope  to  carry  with  me  into  Sanctuary  M.  E. 
Church,  from  the  great  Tent  meetings  that  your 
kindness  has  enabled  me  to  hold,  a  divine  power 
and  a  multitude  of  people,  who  will  be  won  to 
Christ,  and  from  among  them  it  will  be  said,  '  this 
man  and  that  man  was  born  in  her.'  I  am  so 
anxious  to  build  up  that  almost  desolate  and  yet 
historic  church.  I  must  now  hasten  away  to  join 
Rev.  Dr.  Roche,  in  Sanctuary,  as  he  is  to  preach 
there  this  morning ;  but  Mr.  McNichol,  if  you  do 
not  object,  I  will  bow  down  and  pray  with  you."  No 
objection  being  made,  I  did  find  that  to  be  the 
"Sweet  hour  of  prayer,"  where  we  made  all  our 
wants  and  wishes  know^n.  We  were  called  from  a 
world  of  care,  and  on  that  bright  Sunday  morning 
in  that  sick  room  we  realized  that  we  were  "  quite  on 
the  verge  of  Heaven."  As  I  took  leave  of  him  we 
mutually  promised  to  meet  in  Heaven,  and  I  said, 
"  the  Lord  will  strengthen  him  upon  his  bed  of 
languishing;  Thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in  his 
sickness." 


106 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Rev.  Dr.  Roche  preached  a  telling  sermon  in 
Sanctuary  that  morning,  from  the  passage  Job,  15th 
chapter,  11th  verse,  "  Are  the  consolations  of  God 
small  with  thee?"  How  grandly  did  he  preach. 
How  full  of  enthusiasm  and  apostolic  fire.  As  I 
listened,  how  my  mind  ran  back  forty-five  years 
ago,  when  he  was  young,  no  less  energetic  now  than 
then.  I  was  fourteen  or  fifteen,  he  was  a  young 
giant  "  running  a  glorious  race.''  He  was  building 
the  first  Ebenezer  M.  E.  Church  in  the  city  of  Read- 
ing. He  came  to  "  My  Maryland"  and  his  "  Mary- 
land." We  were  then  "  a  general  church  extension'' 
society,  ready  "  to  bear  one  another's  burdens."  He 
preached  on  the  text  "  Because  there  is  wrath  be- 
ware lest  He  take  thee  away  with  his  stroke ;  then 
a  great  ransom  cannot  deliver  thee."  I  have  no 
language  to  portray  the  eff*ect  of  that  grand  but 
powerfully  awful  sermon.  Afterwards  he  took  up 
a  collection  for  his  church.  I  had  but  one  dollar 
in  the  world.  I  gave  it  cheerfully.  More  would 
I  have  done  if  I  could.  Our  acquaintance  and 
friendship  has  never  waned.  Rev.  John  A.  Roche 
was  the  first  guest  I  entertained  in  my  house  after 
going  to  housekeeping  in  New  Castle,  Del.  He 
came  from  Smyrna  to  help  me  with  a  protracted 
meeting.  I  have,  for  the  forty  years  that  I  have 
been  travelling  the  "wilderness  through,"  often 
found  in  his  hospitable  family  not  simply  "quails," 
but  "  the  fat  of  the  land;"  and  the  greatest  delicacy, 
if  possible,  was  the  warmth  of  the  hospitality  of 
himself,  his  wife  and  children.  "The  promise  is 
unto  us  and  to  our  children."    Two  of  his  sons 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


107 


are  clergymen,  young  men  of  deep  piety,  and 
bright  intellectuality,  and  will  fulfil,  to  the  day  of 
their  death,  the  command,  "Honor  thy  father  and 
thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the 
land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee."  How 
delighted  both  myself  and  family  were  to  have  him 
as  our  guest  once  more.  My  plan  was  for  him  to 
preach  once  in  Sanctuary,  and  do  all  we  could  for 
the  church;  nobly  did  the  people  respond,  and 
raised  $25  for  church  needs,  and  made  a  favorite 
minister  a  life  member  of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church. 
Many  of  his  friends  were  there  from  churches  he 
had  served  in  this  city. 

^  In  the  afternoon  we  met  in  the  great  Tent  to 
hold  an  anniversary  or  review  the  work,  not  for  a 
year,  which  an  anniversary  indicates,  but  for  the 
two  months  we  had  been  engaged  in  a  vigorous 
effort  to  pull  down  the  strongholds  of  the  devil. 
We  were  highly  favored  with  popular,  pious,  ener- 
getic ministers,  whose  p^raise  is  in  all  the  churches. 
Rev.  Dr.  Roche,  Rev.  James  Morrow,  D.D.,  Rev.  Dr. 
Curtis  F.  Turner  and  Rev.  Adam  Wallace,  D.D. 
We  had  no  written  report,  but  gave  a  running 
account  of  the  Gospel  work  and  results  in  the  great 
Tent  for  two  months  and  a  little  more,  beginning 
July  28th,  and  continuing  until  the  present  period. 
Rev.  Mr.  Turner  spoke  briefly;  and  begged  to  be 
excused,  to  enable  him  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  4 
young  lady  fatally  burned,  which  was  to  take  place  in 
Summerfield  M.  E.  Church,  one  of  his  old  charges. 
Rev.  A.  Wallace,  D.D.,  editor  of  the  Ocean  Grove 
JJecord,  spoke  of  his  long  and  happy  acquaintance 


108 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


with  the  minister  in  charge  of  this  great  campaign. 
He  said  he  heartily  approved  of  these  outdoor 
efforts,  and  trusted  they  would  become  more  general 
in  the  great  M.  E.  Church.  Here,  said  he,  we  reach 
the  masses,  and  gather  into  the  fold  non-church- 
going  people.  There  is  much  Sabbath-breaking  in 
Philadelphia ;  it  is  to  be  deplored.  I  have  walked 
on  Broad  street  from  Allegheny  Avenue  to  this 
#  distant  point.  I  have  seen  much  to  make  my 
heart  ache.  In  this  way  let  us  rescue  the  perishing. 
Rev.  Dr.  Morrow  spoke  with  dignity,  but  most 
heartily  ;  he  said,  "  I  do  approve  of  such  efforts,  there 
has  been  great  good  done  in  this  way."  The 
people  showed  their  appreciation  of  this  eloquent, 
tidy  and  scholarly  minister,  by,  at  our  suggestion, 
making  him  a  life  member  of  this  Great  Tent  Asso- 
ciation. I  think  Rev.  Dr.  Morrow's  example  is 
worthy  of  imitation  in  going  into  the  streets  occa- 
sionally, at  proper  times  and  places,  and,  like  Wes- 
ley and  the  fathers,  preaching  to  the  masses.  How 
much  good  could  we  do,  if  our  leading  ministers 
would  thus  imitate  their  Lord  and  the  great 
founder  of  Methodism,  and  not  leave  this  funda- 
mental work  to  irresponsible  persons,  not  overly 
prudent  and  wise  at  all  times..  The  great  salvation 
is  thus  brought  into  disrepute.  We  must  come  to  it, 
or  "  Ichabod  will  be  written  upon  our  walls.  The 
•  glory  hath  departed  from  Israel,"  in  reference  to 
the  common  people  who  heard  the  Master  and  our 
fathers  gladly.  It  filled  "An  angePs  heart  and  a 
Saviour's  hands."  Why  not  occupy  the  minds  and 
energies  of  our  best  men? 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


109 


Rev.  John  A.  Roche,  D.D.,  was  the  last  speaker. 
He  said,  "  How  well  do  I  recollect  thirty  years  ago, 
when  I  was  stationed  at  one  of  the  city  churches. 
I  could  hear  glorious  tidings  of  the  great  Tent 
under  the  charge  of  Rev.  A.  Manship,  Sixteenth  and 
Coates  streets.  He  was  just  beginning  the  great 
work  of  founding  the  Hedding  Church,  on  the  St. 
George's  lot.  That  church  has  had  a  thrilling  his- 
tory, especially  in  the  salvation  of  souls.  When 
the  weather  became  too  frosty  to  be  comfortable  in 
the  Tent  his  fruitful  mind  fixed  on  a  Plank  church 
to  be  used  as  a  preaching  place  until  the  brick  edi- 
fice could  be  finished.  What  a  history  that  Plank 
church  had !  How  many  from  its  success  sprang 
up  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  I  honor  that  man 
for  his  zeal,  courage  and  faith,  that  can  thus  go  for- 
ward whether  the  world  smiles  or  frowns,  and  as 
Bishop  Scott  says  of  him,  *  Do  and  dare  for  Jesus,' 
where  good  is  to  be  done,  and  shouting  in  his  Christ- 
like work  ^  Enlarge  the  place  of  thy  Tent,  and  let 
them  stretch  forth  the  curtains  of  thine  habitation; 
spare  not,  lengthen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen  thy 
stakes!'  Here  is  a  glorious  repetition  of  his  life 
long,  energetic,  successful  work,  that  cannot  and 
will  not  be  forgotten.'* 

At  night  the  rain  poured  down.  Professor  Foster 
and  lady  charmed  the  people  with  sweet  musical 
strains  that  caused  them  to  almost  forget  that  ^ 
they  were  being  drenched  with  rain,  for  the  Tent 
was  more  holy  than  righteous.  The  people  hoisted 
their  umbrellas  and  maintained  their  ground,  and 
Rev.  Dr.  Roche  was  called  for  and  delivered  a 


110  •     A  BRIEF  HISTORY 

thrillingly  happy  address,  and  we  made  him  a  life 
member  of  the  Tent  Association,  which  did  not  dis- 
please this  faithful  worker,  ready  to  enter  into  every 
open  door.  He  said  he  felt  greatly  complimented 
and  elevated  to  be  called  by  Brother  Manship,  or 
any  other  brother,  to  work  for  Jesus.  All  were  so 
anxious  to  hear  Rev.  Dr.  Roche,  that  he  was  re- 
quested to  stay  a  little  longer  than  was  expected 
and  preach  on  Monday  night.  He  kindly  con- 
sented, but  we  were  non  plussed  by  a  mammoth 
parade,  as  a  reception  was  given  to  the  successful 
Athletic  Base  Ball  Club  of  Philadelphia,  who  had 
been  victorious  in  various  places  and  won  great 
honor  every  where.  This  is  quite  a  mania  with 
the  people.  It  is  visible  from  head  to  foot.  To  me 
it  seemed  ridiculous  to  give  an  ovation  on  such  a 
grand  scale  to  an  organization  that  does  not  pro- 
mote intelligence,  or  any  special  good  in  any  way, 
but  is  evidently  promotive  of  neglecting  business 
and  injuring  thousands  very  seriously.  I  love  to 
see  soldiers  when  they  come  home  victors  from  the 
field  of  battle,  welcomed  and  honored. 

I  greatly  enjoyed  the  Bi-Centennial  celebration 
in  Philadelphia  a  year  ago.  How  much  good  did 
William  Penn  do  to  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  to 
the  country  and  to  the  world !  With  this  line  I 
am  in  full  sympathy.  As  Rev.  Dr.  Roche  and  my- 
self wended  our  way  home  through  the  vast 
crowds  that  blockaded  Broad  street,  I  reasoned  to 
myself  in  this  way — is  not  the  community  carried 
away  by  a  fleeting  show  and  insignificant  unworthy 
circumstances,  and  may  we  not  soon  reach  the  state 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


Ill 


of  demoralization  when  we  will  honor  and  give  a 
great  reception  and  ovation  to  the  eminent  prize 
fighter?  I  presume  I  startled  some  people  some 
time  ago  by  advertising  in  the  Public  Ledger,  on  a 
Saturday,  that  I  would  preach  at  Sanctuary  Sunday 
morning  on  "  The  Athletic's  win  !"  My  idea  was  to 
win  for  glory.  And  at  night  on  "  The  prize  fighter.'' 
And  at  night  my  theme  was  fighting  for  a  glittering 
crown.  God  did  help  me.  I  ought  to  say,  notwith- 
standing the  great  parade,  we  had  a  glorious  final 
farewell  meeting  in  the  great  Tent,  that  is  daguer- 
reotyped  on  many  hearts,  and  to  see  it  for  the  last 
time,  and  to  enjoy  the  last  service  was  the  greatest 
attraction,  and  though  the  tide  of  people  ebbed  and 
flowed  all  the  time,  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Patterson,  of  the 
Philadelphia  Conference,  as  well  as  Rev.  Dr.  Roche, 
delivered  appropriate  and  telling  addresses,  and  we 
all  felt  like  saying — 

How  loath  we  are  to  leave  the  place, 
Where  Jesus  shows  his  smiling  face.'* 

At  the  hour  of  10  o'clock  we  spoke  a  few  parting 
words  and  sang  The  sweet  by  and  by,''  and  gave 
to  each  other  the  parting  hand,  and  the  Great 
Gospel  Tent  series  of  religious  services,  for  1883, 
were  ended,  never,  however,  to  end  in  their  influ- 
ence in  time  or  eternity. 

The  eventful  day  came  for  the  last  $100  note  in 
the  Commercial  National  Bank  to  be  paid  on  the 
great  Tent.  How  soon  the  sixty  days  rolled  round. 
We  had  expected  certain  prominent  parties  to  come 
to  the  rescue  in  time — in  this  we  were  disappointed ; 


112 


A  BRIEF  HISTOKY 


but  we  had  a  friend  in  reserve  to  look  to,  who  had 
said  to  us,  "  Call  on  me  if  you  need  help."  He  is 
not  a  Methodist,  but  he  is  a  Christian  friend  and  in 
hearty  sympathy  with  aggressive  movements  to 
"  rescue  the  perishing."  It  really  seemed  to  be  a 
pleasure  to  him  to  furnish  the  material  aid,  and 
wait  till  we  could  collect  the  amount  and  return  the 
same.  "  A  friend  in  need  is  a  friend  indeed  !"  For 
his  kind  words  and  confidence  my  poor  heart  over- 
flowed with  gratitude,  my  eyes  melted  to  tears. 
The  note  was  paid. 

My  dear  friend,  Dr.  Roche,  knew  I  had  to  meet 
the  note — he  was  solicitous.  On  that  day  he  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  good  brother,  William  Rose, 
of  Asbury  M.  E.  Church.  He  dined  at  my  house, 
waited  for  me  as  long  as  he  safely  could,  and 
wended  his  w^ay  to  the  funeral.  I  followed  on;  one 
of  the  first  things  he  said  to  me  was,  "  Brother  M., 
were  you  able  to  pay  the  note  ?"  I  said  "  Yes,  glory 
be  to  God !"  Dr.*  Roche  is  eminently  popular  in 
this  city.  How  delighted  the  excellent  Rose  family 
was  to  have  their  former  pastor  to  speak  over  his 
old  friend.  It  made  me  feel  happy  to  think  I  had 
been  the  means  of  placing  Brother  Roche  within 
their  reach.  He  came  to  serve  interests  in  my 
hands,  and  also  most  tenderly  served  that  excellent 
family.  I  was  never  pastor  at  Asbury,  but  have 
been  in  the  habit  of  preaching  there,  and  shared 
her  benefactions  for  many  years  in  various  capaci- 
ties, and  always  felt  at  home  and  welcome,  and 
always  ranked  the  Rose  family  amongst  my  dearest 
friends,  and  felt  highly  honored  to  be  asked  to  pro- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


113 


nounce  the  benediction  at  the  close  of  the  funeral 
services  by  good  Brother  Lindermuth,  the  pastor, 
on  the  2d  of  October  1883. 

The  Great  Tent  was,  as  soon  as  perfectly  dry, 
taken  down  and  stored  away  in  the  house  of  our 
faithful  friend,  Mr.  Geo.  W.  Campbell,  to  come  forth 
again  when  the  vernal  sun  shall  make  the  flowers 
bloom,  and  the  time  for  the  singing  birds  shall 
come.  We  shall  hope  then,  and  later  on  in  the 
season,  when  teeming  thousands  shall  flock  to  the 
seashore,  and  escape  to  the  mountains,  to  fling  our 
banner  to  the  breeze,  and  sing  under  our  spacious 
canvas : 

The  happy  gates  of  gospel  grace 
Stand  open  night  and  day  I" 

And  inscribe  on  our  bulletin,  "The  poor  have 
the  gospel  preached  unto  them,"  and  so  those  that 
cannot  aff'ord  to  go  to  Ocean  Grove  and  similar  sani- 
tary resorts  may  come  to  a  deep,  wide  ocean, 

For  its  streams  the  whole  creation  reach, 
So  plenteous  is  its  store  I " 

and  bathe  their  weary  souls,  and  plunge  in  and 
wash,  and  be  clean.  "Without  money  come  to 
Jesus  Christ  and  buy." 

An  accomplished  minister  said  to  me,  speaking 
of  the  Tent,  "  That  large  tent  would  be  admirable 
for  Ocean  Grove."  I  replied,  we  want  it  for  that 
class  of  people  whose  exchequer  is  too  weak  to  enable 
them  to  go  to  Ocean  Grove.  Our  gospel  motto  is 
8 


114 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


"  The  poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them  !"  We 
would  all  like  to  go  if  we  could,  if  the  money  would 
allow.  How  glorious  it  is  that  salvation  is  nigh 
unto  us  even  at  the  door ! !  I  love  the  deep  blue  sea, 
and  feel  like  saying,  nevertheless, 

**  And  ever  more  the  waters  worship  God  ; 
And  bards  and  prophets  time  their  mystic  lyres, 
While  listening  to  the  music  of  the  waves 

The  last  meeting  held  on  the  Devil's  ground, 
(where  (rbd's  ministers  and*  people  ought  to  go 
whenever  an  effectual  door  is  open),  was  held  after 
the  great  Tent  disappeared,  in  the  plank  offices  in 
connection  with  the  Indian  show.  In  these  offices 
I  held  several  children's  meetings,  as  some  objected 
to  my  holding  such  meetings  on  the  great  platform, 
or  in  front  of  the  stand.  When  we  took  down  the 
two  partitions,  the  room  was  fifty  feet  long,  rather 
narrow,  reminding  us  of  the  passage  "  Narrow  is  the 
way  which  leadeth  unto  life."  Here  on  Sabbath, 
the  7th  of  October,  we  held  our  last  religious  ser- 
vice. It  brought  to  ^my  mind  thirty  years  ago,  in 
the  same  neighborhood  my  Plank  church  104  feet 
long  and  40  feet  wide.  That  which  is  most  of  all 
to  be  prized,  I  found  "  the  very  same  power"  came 
down,  and  though  the  meeting  was  not  crowded,  to 
such  as  did  attend  I  preached  on  "  Behold,  I  stand 
at  the  door  and  knock ;  if  any  man  hear  my  voice 
and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  unto  him  and 
sup  with  him  and  he  with  me."  While  I  was  dis- 
coursing on  the  point  "  God  knocks  by  His  provi- 
dences," I  saw  a  lady  weeping  freely.    I  asked  her 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


115 


if  she  had  lost  a  friend,  and  who  ?  She  said,  "  My 
mother !"  I  asked  her  if  she  would  be  willing  then 
and  there  to  kneel  down  and  seek  the  Saviour,  and 
try  to  prepare  to  meet  that  loved  one  in  glory?  She 
readily  complied,  and  she  is  the  seventeenth  one 
blessed — all  adult  persons.  Forty-seven  arose  for 
prayers  and  by  the  literature  scattered  among  young 
and  old  of  all  classes,  "it  doth  not  yet  appear"  what 
the  spiritual  results  will  be.  Does  not  this  show, 
that  while  many  say  the  church  is  the  place  where 
men  and  women  ought  to  worship,  and  there  is  no 
necessity  for  this,  kind  of  work,  "  that  the  hour 
Cometh  and  now  is  when  the  true  worshipper^ 
shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth ; 
for  the  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  Him,"  any- 
where. It  has  been  my  practice  through  my  minis- 
terial life,  and  shall  be  at  all  proper  times,  to  hold 
up  my  hand  for  the  glorious  passage  on  our  title 
page,  "  To  your  Tents  0  Israel !"  and  "  Go  out  into 
the  highways  and  hedges  and  compel  them  to  come 
in !" 

The  8th  of  October  was  a  beautiful  sunny  day, 
and  the  great  German  parade  did  us  good,  as  the 
other  parade  at  night,  referred  to,  did  us  harm — so 
we  have  our  lights  and  shadows.  We  all  have  our 
day.  Captain  Auble,  one  of  our  excellent  committee, 
proposed  that  we  aid  our  Tent  Association  in  pay- 
ing its  expenses  by  selling  tickets  at  twenty-five 
cents  each  for  a  seat  such  as  we  could  furnish.  The 
pavilion  would  accommodate  fifty,  so  this  at  last 
wheeled  into  use  at  the  end.  And  we  employed 
carpenters  on  the  spur  of  the  moment  to  construct 


116 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


out  of  the  lumber  as  many  seats  as  we  conveniently 
could.  So  we  started  business,  put  seats  on  the  top 
of  the  offices,  and  "  went  before  and  prepared  the^ 
way."  Very  earnestly  did  Dr.  Webster  work  it  up, 
and  with  the  help  of  some  of  his  former  friends  in 
connection  with  the  great  show,  superintended  by 
the  committee,  made  it  a  great  success.  About  $25, 
after  paying  the  carpenters,  &c.,  was  realized,  clear 
profit. 

The  day  was  exciting,  the  effort  to  sell  tickets  was 
earnest,  and  our  'good  superintendent.  Dr.  Webster, 
became  rather  lively,  and  a  little  more  spiritual 
than  we  thought  discreet;  but  still  the  matter  was 
successfully  carried  through  by  him.  I  told  the 
doctor  he  reminded  me  of  the  great  Daniel  Webster 
of  national  fame.  It  is  said  he  always,  on  the  eve 
of  delivering  a  great  speech  at  the  bar  or  in  the 
U.  S.  Senate,  braced  himself  up  for  the  work  by 
several  quaffs  of  exciting  liquids.  "To  err  is 
human,  to  forgive  is  divine." 

The  preceding  Sabbath  evening  the  doctor  took 
tea  with  me,  and  accompanied  me  to  Sanctuary  M. 
E.  Church  and  heard  me  preach  on  "  Pray  for  us, 
that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course  and 
be  glorified."  I  suppose  he  thought  the  next  day, 
as  I  am  not  a  praying  man,  I  will  work  instead  of 
pray  for  Mr.  Manship,  and  assist  in  raising  the 
resources  necessary.  Thus  my  friend.  Dr.  Webster, 
was  with  me  in  this  cause — "Alpha  and  Omega, 
the  beginning  and  the  end" — for  he  is  the  man  who 
furnished  the  $40  on  the  31st  of  July  which  en- 
abled us  to  pay  down  $100,  and  by  that  cash  pay- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


117 


ment  (the  rest  secured  by  notes  which  we  paid  on 
maturity),  we  secured  the  "  Great  Wigwam  or  Aus- 
tralian Circus,"  which  we  metamorphosed,  by  the 
help  of  the  Holy  Spirit,,  into  a  Gospel  Tent,  and 
dedicated  to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God,  for  the 
conviction,  conversion  and  sanctification  of  immor- 
tal souls.  The  church  is  more  indebted,  frequently, 
to  irreligious  persons  for  her  success  than  to  her 
own  members.  Nehemiah,  when  building  the  walls 
of  Jerusalem,  found  great  help  and  co-operation 
from  "strangers  in  Jerusalem."  I  must  say  if  I  had 
not  had  the  co-operation  of  non-professors  I  could 
not  have  succeeded.  But  all  people  are  under  obli- 
gations to  the  ministry  and  Church  of  Christ.  For 
illustration:  during  my  great  Tent  meetings  I  at- 
tended and  officiated  at  seventeen  funerals;  not  one 
that  I  am  aware  of  was  a  member  of  any  church, 
except  one  lady,  and  she  was  a  Roman  Catholic. 
"  We  are  servants  of  all." 

The  sale  of  the  lumber  was  effected  on  the  12th 
of  October,  and  after  using  the  newspapers  by  which 
to  advertise,  and  on  business  principles  exhausted 
our  energies  and  failed,  I  then  said,  "take  it  to 
the  Lord  in  prayer,"  is  a  good  direction  in  worldly 
matters  as  well  as  religious  affairs.  Now,  let  me 
particularize  as  to  how  this  was  religiously  done. 
A  man  in  deep  distress,  I  met  in  the  great  tent, 
came  to  me  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  Oc- 
tober. I  had  devoted  the  morning  of  the  9ih  to  his 
case  ineffectually.  He  came  on  the  morning  of  the 
10th,  hoping  to  receive,  directed  to  my  care,  a  letter 
containing  a  remittance  by  which  he  would  be  re- 


118 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


lieved.  It  did  not  come ;  I  was  writing  to  another 
in  his  behalf,  a  new  man ;  just  as  I  was  finishing, 
the  bell  rang ;  it  was  another  party  who  had  read 
the  night  before  my  letter  commending  the  dis- 
tressed man.  The  gentleman,  Mr.  L.,  said  :  "  Mr. 
Manship  do  you  commend  the  party?  Do  you 
know  him  ?  I  know  you,  sir,  and  if  you  commend 
him,  I  will  relieve  him.''  I  answered  favorably. 
The  gentleman  handed  me  ten  dollars  for  him.  I 
had,  in  his  great  distress,  just  before  Mr.  L.  came  in, 
given  him  one  dollar.  Strange  to  tell,  he  just 
needed  eleven  dollars.  Just  at  that  juncture,  a  dis- 
tressed, weeping  man  came  in  to  ask  me  to  speak  at 
his  wife's  funeral  that  day  between  10  and  11. 
I  said,  I  am  pressed  beyond  measure ;  the  sale  of 
our  lumber  at  the  tent  is  pressing  on  me,  and  there 
is  a  man  here  I  am  trying  to  relieve,  but  111  trust  in 
God,  and  as  I  know,  from  sad  experience,  what  it  is 
to  lose  a  companion,  I'll  go,  sir."  We  did  the  best 
we  could  in  the  services,  walking  to  the  house^  no  car- 
riage came,  then  going  to  the  cemetery  with  a  car- 
riage full  of  persons.  "But  none  of  these  things 
moved  me."  I  write  this  hoping  to  benefit  some 
brother  minister.  On  returning  from  Mechanics' 
Cemetery,  I  suddenly  felt  a  power  come  upon  me,  of 
as  I  supposed,  a  Divine  character,  to  stop  opposite  to 
the  house  of  one  of  God's  noblemen,  and  his  lady,  if 
possible,  eclipsing  him,  especially  in  "going  about 
doing  good."  Yes,  if  Jesus  were  to  come  to-day  he 
would  say  of  Mrs.  B.  "  she  hath  done  what  she  could." 
As  I  was  alighting  from  the  carriage  to  go  into 
this  mansion,  the  husband  said,  "  Mr.  Manship, 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


119 


what  do  I  owe  you  for  your  faithful,  kind  services  ?" 
I  said  nothing  at  all,  come  and  hear  me  preach  the 
gospel  at  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church,  Fifth  below 
Girard  Avenue.  As  he  lovingly  grasped  me  by  the 
hand  he  left  in  it  four  dollars  as  a  present.  I  said 
to  myself,  this  is  the  fulfilment  of  the  passage 
"Give  and  it  shall  be  given  to  j^ou  again  good 
measure  pressed  down,  shaken  together,  and  run- 
ning over."  But  "  there  is  more  and  more  to 
follow."  Mrs.  B.  was  glad  to  hear  from  my  lips 
any  thing  relating  to  home  evangelization,  a 
work  she  loved,  a  work  in  which  she  was  inces- 
santly engaged.  She,  unasked,  handed  me  a 
donation  towards  delivering  us  "out  of  all  our 
troubles"  in  connection  with  our  great  Tent.  Now 
see  "  how  the  steps  of  a  good  man  (God  knows  I 
want  to  be  good)  are  ordered  of  the  Lord."  I  was 
that  day  deeply  troubled  in  regard  to  the  lumber. 
One  builder  said,  after  looking  at  it,  "  to  me  it  would 
not  be  worth  more  than  about  fifteen  dollars."  Said 
this  elect  missionary  lady  of  intelligence  and  piety. 
"  How  would  the  lumber  suit  for  a  mission  church 
in  a  rural  district  of  this  city?  My  husband  thinks 
something  of  building  a  chapel  for  us."  I  said  to 
myself,  certainly  I  had  been  Divinely  led.  The 
matter  was  considered;  the  husband  was  soon  seen; 
he  saw  it  that  evening  by  moonlight's  pale  beams, 
and  with  the  stars  of  Heaven  flashing  on  him  like 
angels'  eyes  looking  down  from  the  skies,  and  per- 
haps helped  on  by  the  prayers  of  a  Christian  and 
"  prudent  wife,  which  is  from  the  Lord,"  he  was 
inspired  to  say,  "  If  my  carpenter,  after  he  examines 


120  A  BRIEF  HISTORY 

this  lot  of  lumber,  gives  a  favorable  opinion,  though 
it  may  not  be  such  lumber  as  I  want  to  place  in  a 
chapel  that  I  may  erect  for  my  wife  in  her  efforts 
to  elevate  the  poor,  I  will,  nevertheless,  for  the  re- 
spect I  have  for  Rev.  Mr.  Manship,  who  is  a  hard 
worker  in  the  Master's  cause,  purchase  the  lumber; 
it  will  do  for  enlargement  to  our  factory  and  busi- 
ness purposes  connected  with  our  manufacturing 
arrangements  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city."  This 
most  desirable  work  was  consummated  and  my 
princely  friend  gave  us  sixty  dollars  in  cash,  on  the 
12th  of  October,  only  two  days  after.  From  a  di- 
vine impulse  we  approached  his  excellent  lady.  God 
bless  the  Christian  women  of  the  church  !  They 
were  the  last  at  the  cross  and  the  first  at  the  sepul- 
chre r 

The  dedication  of  John  Wesley  M.  E.  Church,  in 
Salem  county,  N.  J.,  came  off  on  the  14th  of  October. 
I  had  been  long  engaged  to  attend  this  dedication. 
Eleven  years  ago  I  attended  the  dedication  of  the 
white  people's  church  in  Lower  Penn's  Neck,  near 
the  location  of  John  Wesley.  The  white  people  had 
urged  our  colored  brethren  to  get  me.  I  gave  many 
reasons  why  I  wanted  to  be  excused.  1st.  I  told  the 
minister.  Rev.  Mr.  Still,  I  was  worked  down  by  the 
extra  toils  in  the  great  Tent.  2d.  I  told  him  I  had 
been  so  much  away  from  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church 
that  I  was  supplying,  I  might  be  told  I  could  stay 
away  altogether,  if  immediately  after  closing  the 
Tent  meetings  I  started  off  on  a  dedication  expedi- 
tion. 3d.  I  told  him  the  National  Association  of 
Local  Preachers  met  in  Philadelphia  at  that  very 


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121 


time  ;  I  should  have  then  to  preach  in  our  pulpit, 
and  for  that  and  other  reasons  please  excuse  me,  so 
that  I  could  be  home  that  day.  He  not  only  came 
himself  and  found  me  in  bed,  but  he  brought  his 
wife  with  him,  and  with  me  it  is  hard  to  say  no  to 
a  persuasive  lady.  After  they  reached  home  he 
wrote  the  following  earnest  letter : — 

Salem,  October  10th  1883. 

Rev.  a.  Manship  : 

Dear  Brother  :  Your  card  is  at  hand,  I  trust  you  will 
be  better,  so  you  can  come  without  fail.  I  will  reward  you.  Don't 
fail  for  the  Lord's  sake.  May  the  Lord  help  you  to  come  and 
give  you  power  to  preach.  I  am  hoping  to  hear  that  you  are 
better. 

Yours  truly, 

R.  J.  Still. 

Also,  the  white  gentleman  with  whom  I  put  up 
^  eleven  years  ago  when  I  preached  at  the  reopening 
of  Lower  Penn's  Neck  M.  E.  Church,  then  in  charge 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Chattin,  when  the  people  gave  more 
than  $1000,  wrote  me  this  letter,  which  had  influ- 
ence with  me: — 

Salem,  October  12th  1883. 

Rev.  a.  Manship  : 

Dear  Brother  :  Yours  received.  You  are  always  wel- 
come at  our  house.  If  you  think  your  duties  and  health  will 
permit,  come  I  I  think  you  will  do  them  good.  They  are  ex- 
pecting you,  and  will  be  disappointed  if  you  do  not  come. 

Yours, 

W.  H.  GiLMORE. 

I  said  I  am  "  compassed  about  with  a  great  cloud 
of  witnesses."  "I  will  go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord 
God." 


122 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


When  I  arrived  in  Salem,  Saturday  night,  Octo- 
ber 13th,  the  rain  was  pouring  down.  Three 
colored  ministers  called  on  me,  the  pastor  of  John 
Wesley,  Rev.  Mr.  Still;  Rev.  Mr.  Webb,  pastor  in 
Salem,  and  the  Ex-presiding  Elder,  Rev.  Mr.  Webb, 
now  of  Dover,  Delaware.  They  all  seemed  to  be 
afraid  to-morrow,  the  dedication  day,  would  be 
rainy.  I  said  to  them,  "  Take  it  to  the  Lord  in 
prayer.  Have  faith."  I  explained  to  them  the  pas- 
sage, "  Faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for, 
the  evidence  of  things  not  seen."  I  told  them  I 
had  the  evidence  in  my  soul  that  we  should  have 
brilliant  success.  The  morning  came,  rain  was 
descending,  a  messenger  came  round  to  let  me 
know  the  carriage  would  not  be  after  me  till  after- 
noon. It  was  then  near  10  o'clock.  I  told  him 
they  were  making  a  great  mistake;  they  ought  to 
go  forward  and  have  faith  in  God.  I  had  come  *^ 
at  a  sacrifice,  and  I  wanted  to  do  the  work  for 
which  I  had  visited  them.  My  plea  was  prevailing, 
we  were  all  soon  off  for  the  dedication.  Grand 
arrangements  had  been  made ;  a  Tent  had  been 
pitched  near  the  new  beautiful  church.  The  white 
friends  had  bestowed  upon  the  colored  friends  a 
large  quantity  of  provisions  for  the  occasion.  All 
that  partook  were  to  pay  a  small  amount  tow^ards 
the  church.  The  Tent  was  near  the  house  of  one 
of  the  colored  friends,  and  every  facility  was  at 
hand  for  preparing  the  dinner.  But  the  rain  had 
kept  the  masses  of  the  people  away.  About  12J  we 
began  the  first  service.  Rev.  Ex-presiding  Elder 
Webb  led ;  he  offered  prayer  and  delivered  an  ap- 


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123 


propriate  address,  and  proposed  that  we  adjourn  till 
a  later  period  in  the  afternoon.  I  took  occasion  to 
say,  "We  have  come  to  do  a  work  for  the  Head  of 
the  Church,  and  though  our  number  is  small  let  us 
raise  $5  to  make  Rev.  Mr.  Webb  a  Rfe  member  of 
John  Wesley  M.  E.  Church,  as  he  has  always  been 
interested  in  her  success."  This  was  cheerfully  and 
quickly  done.  The  doxology  sung  and  benediction 
pronounced.  Thus  a  beginning  was  made.  The 
effect  was  electrical. 

Now  the  sun  begins  to  shine ;  we  hastily  take 
dinner.  I  want  my  readers  to  excuse  me  for  insert 
ing  a  jocular  paragraph.  I  heard  one  of  the  min- 
isters say  in  a  low  tone,  "  I  want  to  get  a  seat  close 
to  the  chicken  pot-pie.'^  It  is  likely  we  all  felt  so, 
if  we  did  not  say  it.  My  readers  have  no  doubt 
heard  th^e  anecdote  about  the  chickens  all  running 
for  dear  life  whenever  the  preacher  drives  up  to  the 
farm  house.  I  must  say,  that  though  I  have  per- 
ambulated and  itinerated  a  good  deal  in  New  Jer- 
sey, and  met  with  that  grand  dish  at  camp  meetings, 
corner-stone  layings  and  dedications,  I  never  in 
my  ramblings  partook  of  a  better  gotten-up  dinner. 
Perhaps  some  fastidious  one  will  be  shocked  at  the 
idea  of  my  feeling  at  home  dining  with  those  col- 
ored people.  I  am  a  Southern  man  ;  w^s  brought  up 
with  them ;  nursed  and  fed  by  them  when  a  child  ; 
was  used  to  their  cooking  all  my  young  life. 
None  can  surpass  them  in  that  line.  "  Train  up  a 
child  in  the  way  in  which  he  should  go  and  when 
he  is  old  he  wall  not  depart  therefrom."  This  w^l] 
apply  in  more  ways  than  one. 


124 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


The  afternoon  service  was  commenced  very  ear- 
nestly by  Rev.  Mr.  Still,  in  the  way  of  a  prayer 
meeting.  His  name  is  Still,  but  he  never  stands 
still,  and  will  not  till  the  Master  appears.  He  is  a 
splendid  singer  and  worker.  His  wife  is  a  help- 
mate to  him.  A  3  p.  m..  Rev.  Mr.  Webb,  a  cousin  to 
the  Ex-presiding  Elder  and  pastor  of  Salem  Colored 
M.  E.  Church,  led  in  prayer,  and  sung  beautifully 

Rock  of  ages  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee." 

His  father  was  an  excellent  minister  in  the  Dela- 
ware M.  E.  Conference.  His  grandfather  was  a 
wealthy  and  highly  respectable  man  in  my  native 
county  (Caroline,  Md.),  and  my  readers  will  smile, 
and  be  amazed  when  I  say  he  was  a  slaveholder ! ! 
But,  "  praise  God,"  that  is  one  of  the  things  that  are 
past.  There  are  no  more  slaves  or  slaveholders. 
And  now  the  grand  Declaration  of  American  Inde- 
pendence is  consistent  when  it  says,  "  Liberty  is  the 
birthright  of  every  man !"  "  Our  God  is  marching 
on  !  glory,  hallelujah 

By  the  time  we  were  ready  to  preach  the  house 
was  full,  and  other  planks  were  put  into  the  plat- 
form. The  aisle  was  filled  with  plank  seats.  I 
tried  to  preach  on  "  For  the  joy  of  the  Lord  is 
your  strength,"  Nehemiah,  8th  chapter,  and  11th 
verse.  My  theme  was  1st,  to  show  the  superiority 
of  the  joy  of  the  Lord  to  the  joy  of  the  world.  I 
noticed  as  I  was  about  to  pass  to  the  second  propo- 
sition, viz,  "  Wherein  is  the  joy  of  the  Lord  our 
strength  ?"  that  it  was  a  great  thing  to  be  filled  with 


% 


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125 


the  joy  of  the  Lord,  to  feel  the  gospel  to  be  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation.  And  when  I  was 
talking  about  a  feeling,  joyful  religion,  I  found  the 
audience  was  much  aroused  and  I  was  moved  to 
sing  one  of  my  early  songs,  the  chorus  of  which  is : 

**  I  feel  something  like  glory  in  my  soul, 
I  feel  something  like  glory  in  my  soul, 
I  feel  like,  I  feel  like,  I  feel  like 
Shouting  home  T ' 

This  was  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter,  so 
far  as  the  afternoon  preaching  was  concerned.  Such 
a  straight  up  and  down  shout  I  have  not  heard  or  seen 
for  a  long  time.  They  all  partook  of  the  glorious  bliss. 
White  and  colored  fully  entered  into  the  spirit  of 
the  meeting.  After  a  short  season  of  grand  old- 
fashioned  shouting  the  collection  was  looked  after. 
When  the  soul  is  on  fire  how  loose  the  purse  strings 
are.  The  giving  exceeded  the  expectations  of  the 
pastor  and  his  people.  The  white  gentlemen  who 
were  present  nobly  did  their  duty — none  more  so 
than  William  Newell,  Esq.,  the  son  of  a  noble  sire. 
I  remember  his  noble  father  at  Pennsgrove  camp 
meeting  and  other  places,  and  felt  glad  to  see  the 
mantle  of  the  ascended  father  had  fallen  on  the  son. 
Mr.  Pedrick  and  his  excellent  lady  enjoyed  the 
meeting  and  gave  liberally  and  cheerfully.  How 
we  enjoyed  the  supper  in  the  Tent.  The  young 
friends  sang  beautiful  pieces  in  the  Tent,  especially 
keep  your  lamps  trimmed  and  burning 


"When  the  bridegroom  comes.*' 


126 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


And  before  evening  preaching  I  held  in  the  church 
a  small  meeting  for  colored  boys.  I  hope  good  was 
done.  The  boys  were  quite  intelligent  and  answered 
nearly  all  the  questions  I  asked  them.  The  super- 
intendent was  with  me,  and  opened  and  closed  the 
youthful  meeting  with  dignity  and  self  possession. 
At  night  we  had  a  full  house,  and  at  the  proper 
time  I  was  requested  to  finish  my  sermon,  which  I 
did  to  the  best  of  my  ability  on  the  following  theme 
or  themes : 

1.  The  joy  of  the  Lord  was  our  strength  in  all 
our  trials  and  afflictions. 

2.  The  joy  of  the  Lord  was  our  strength  in  at- 
tacking the  strongholds  of  the  devil.  If  we  have 
joy  we  can  storm  the  devil's  castle. 

3.  The  joy  of  the  Lord  was  our  strength  in  great 
persecution.  Look  at  Daniel  in  the  den  of  lions. 
Look  at  the  Hebrew  children  in  the  fiery  furnace. 
Look  at  Paul  and  Silas  in  prison. 

4.  The  joy  of  the  Lord  is  our  strength  in  death. 

I  closed  the  sermon  by  relating  an  incident  which 
occurred  in  Virginia,  where  a  slave-holding  gentle- 
man threatened  to  whip  me,  and  said  to  me,  "  You 
ought  to  be  tarred  and  feathered  and  rode  on  a  rail." 
He,  however,  was  overcome  by  love;  I  was  then  the 
Tract  agent  of  the  Philadelphia  Conference;  had 
preached  the  night  before  to  an  immense  audience 
both  of  white  and  colored.  He  was  impressed  that  I 
wanted  to  circulate  incendiary  publications  amongst 
the  slaves.  He  sent  for  me  Monday  morning;  I 
prayed  with  him ;  he  remained  on  his  knees ;  the 
colored  people,  his  slaves,  came  in  and  shouted  all 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


127 


over  the  room    Old  Master's  down while  we  sang, 

*'  We'll  wait  till  Jesus  comes, 
And  we'll  be  gathered  home.'* 

He  gave  me  $5  towards  the  tract  cause,  begged 
pardon  for  insulting  me ;  promised  to  try  to  meet 
me  in  Heaven.  "The  joy  of  the  Lord  was  my 
strength"  in  this  case.  At  the  close  of  the  sermon 
in  John  Wesley  the  best  kind  of  feeling  pervaded 
the  audience.  The  pastor  and  trustees  thought  if 
they  could  get  $100  they  could  get  along  for  the 
present.  But  when  they  counted  up  they  had  $156. 
All  were  ready  to  "  thank  God  and  take  courage.'' 

For  over  thirty  years  I  have  been  attending  dedi- 
cations and  corner-stone  layings,  and  taking  an 
active  part.  I  have  been  associated  with  some  of  the 
greatest  men  of  the  church,  such  as  Rev.  Dr.  Durbin, 
Rev.  Dr.  Slicer,  Rev.  Dr.  Morgan,  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson, 
Rev.  Dr.  Monroe,  Rev.  Bishop  Waugh,  Bishop  Janes, 
and  Rev.  Bishop  Scott  (last  not  the  least),  and 
really  I  do  not  believe  I  ever  enjoyed  one  more 
than  the  dedication  of  the  little  humble  John  Wes- 
ley M.  E.  Church,  which  has  just  taken  place  in 
Lower  Penn's  Neck,  Salem  county.  New  Jersey. 
"  To  the  weak  became  I  as  weak,  that  I  might  gain 
the  weak ;  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men,  that  I 
might  by  all  means  save  some 1.  Cor.,  9th  chap- 
ter, 22d  verse. 

"  Lowliness  is  the  base  of  every  virtue.  And  he 
who  goes  the  lowest,  builds  the  safest.  My  God 
keeps  all  his  pity  for  the  proud." 


128 


A  BKIEF  HISTORY 


CHAPTER  VL 

Streams  in  the  Desert  " — Owe  no  man  anything'' — How  is  this  to 
be  avoided  in  some  cases  ? — Work  manfully,  Deliverance  will 
come  " — Kind  Letters  which  show  the  Tide  is  turning — Bishop  Peck 
— Light  thrown  on  the  subject — Help  on  the  Indians — Get  out  of 
the  old  ruts — **His  usefulness  ended  in  this  city" — **Work  while 
the  day  lasts" — Dying  words  valuable — **Bury  him  if  he  were 
dead  " — Burying  City  Officials — If  you  are  a  Minister,  that's  enough. 
— "Why  run  after  that  crazy  Fanatic?" — Don't  weary  in  well 
doing  " — With  joy  we  greet  you  " — ''Victory,  victory." — '*  Cast 

thy  bread  on  the  waters  " — S.  P.  Godwin,  Esq. — Mr.  B  's  Letter 

of  Gratitude — Streams  of  Salvation  into  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church — 
Promising  young  men — ''Joy  cometh  in  the  morning" — The  Re- 
vival seen  by  Faith  in  Sanctuary — How  are  we  to  lengthen  the  cords  ? 
— Grand  and  sad  results  in  thirty  years — St.  George's  on  the  top 
wave — The  children  promising  to  the  church — The  sensible  choir — 
Short  step  from  activity  to  helplessness — The  Conference  worker's 
report — The  sermon  on  the  river — The  letters  responded  to  beau- 
tifully—Rev. Bishop  Simpson — "Defence  of  the  Fathers" — May 
the  last  days  be  the  best — Kind  words  in  behalf  of  Local  Preachers — 
The  tide  rolls  on — Respect  to  the  memory  of  Earle  St.  Clair — A 
little  child  shall  lead  them — Rev.  Thos.  Hanlon,  D.D. — Valedic- 
tory— "  Coming  by  and  by." 

"OWE  NO  MAN  ANYTHING  BUT  LOVE/* 

NO  doubt  much  will  be  said  as  to  the  ownership  of  the 
tent  And  we  would  say  we  have  kept  an  ac- 
count of  the  amounts  given,  and  by  whom  given.  We 
have  an  account  of  the  expenses,  which  have  been 
heavier  than  was  anticipated.  We  hope  honestly  to 
pay  all  claims,  and  when  all  is  done  and  finished,  we 
shall,  as  far  as  possible,  call  together  all  the  con- 
tributors, and  they  can  decide  what  shall  be  done 
with  this  white-winged  messenger  of  salvation  provi- 
dentially placed  in  our  hands.  "  He  leadeth  me." 
"  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  council." 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


129 


Already  from  high  and  honorable  religious  par- 
ties several  have  put  in  pleas  for  the  Tent  and  tho 
humble  minister  who,  in  God's  providence  was  in 
charge,  for  gospel  purposes,  for  next  summer. 
Through  this  great  Tent,  in  its  first  gospel  work, 
and  further  on,  many  may  be  able  to  say,  and  I 
may  be  among  them,  "  The  Lord  hath  done  great 
things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad." 

While  I  write,  this  23d  day  of  October,  the  mail 
comes.  The  postman  brings  me  letters  from  three 
different  states  and  conferences  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
asking  me  to  help  in  a  dedication  and  revival  work, 

And  shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect,  who  cry 
day  and  night  unto  him,  though  He  bear  long  with 
them  ?"  "  I  tell  you  he  will  avenge  them  speedily. 
Nevertheless  when  the  Son  of  Man  cometh,  shall 
He  find  faith  on  the  earth  ?" 

In  the  spring  of  1879,  when  my  character  passed 
in  my  old  conference  before  that  respected  body, 
no  one  said,  "A  song,  give  us  a  song!"  Nevertheless 
I  sung : 

I  saw  the  way-worn  traveller 

In  tattered  garments  clad  ; 
And  struggling  up  the  mountain 

It  seemed  that  he  was  sad. 
His  back  was  laden  heavy, 

His  strength  was  almost  gone  ; 
Yet  he  shouted  as  he  journeyed, 

Deliverance  will  come  I 

Then  palms  of  victory, 

Crowns  of  glory, 
Palms  of  victory 

I  shall  wear.'* 

9  • 


130 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


There  were  many  tears  shed,  and  many  shouted, 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest !"  This  was  not  con- 
fined to  the  ministry,  but  extended  to  the  immense 
assembly.  This  was  a  critical  hour  for  my  opponents 
I  am  sure.  No  doubt  they  said,  "  with  this  tide  of 
feeling  in  Brother  Manship's  favor,  he  will  be 
granted  anything  he  asks  for.''  There  were  some 
uneasy  brothers  wondering  what  turn  things  would 
take !  But  I  asked  for  what  gratified  my  opponents, 
but  pleased  God  and  myself  at  that  time,  and  was 
grievous  to  my  friends,  yet  advanced  the  Kingdom  of 
God.  Any  one  that  understands  my  case,  knows 
how  I  have  been  wronged  and  misunderstood.  But 
I  am  no  better  to  be  injured  than  the  Master  him- 
self, if  thereby  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  glorified. 
And  in  a  later  day  His  glorious  apostle,  Paul,  who 
wrote  from  experience :  "  We  are  troubled  on  every 
side,  yet  not  distressed  ;  we  are  perplexed,  but  not 
in  despair;  persecuted  but  not  forsaken  ;  cast  down, 
but  not  destroyed.  I  know  how  both  to  be  abased 
and  I  know  how  to  abound,  every  where  in  all 
things  I  am  instructed  both  to  be  full  and  to  be 
hungry,  both  to  abound  and  to  suffer  need.''  He 
then  shouts,  "  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ, 
which  strengtheneth  me."  Give  us  a  fair  chance. 
Don't  demand  of  us  to  make  bricks  without  fur- 
nishing straw.  Rev.  Bishop  Peck  said  to  an  hon- 
ored member  of  the  conference,  How  do  they  ex- 
pect Brother  M.  to  pay  his  liabilities  and  strengthen 
his  financial  aff^airs  when  they  keep  from  him  ap- 
pointments that  would  enable  him  to  accomplish 
(to  him  as  well  as  us),  that  most  desirable  work  ?" 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


131 


Suppose  I  throw,  if  I  can,  a  little  light  on  this 
subject.  Many  of  my  readers  know  what  difficult 
appointments  I  filled  from  1849  to  1872  continu- 
ously ;  churches  built ;  the  work  of  the  Conference 
agencies  earnestly  prosecuted,  comprehending  eight 
years.  The  church  had  my  undivided  attention  ; 
my  house,  heart  and  pocket-book  always  open. 
How  the  latter  was  depleted.  In  the  spring  of  1872, 
physicians  of  eminence  said  to  me,  and  gave  certifi- 
cates to  that  eff'ect,  you  must  break  off  from  the 
regular  constant  work  of  the  ministry  or  you  will 
break  down.  My  soul  was  in  the  work ;  I  said, 
however,  I  will  desist  for  a  few  years.  I  was  too 
poor  and  encumbered  by  sacrifice  for  the  good  of 
society,  to  be  idle  in  my  supernumerary  relation.  I 
was  too  high  in  my  notions  to  be  a  claimant  on  the 
Conference  funds.  I  was  insured  for  the  benefit  of 
the  church  early  in  my  ministry  ;  I  had  written  on  it. 
I  was  sought  after  as  a  special  agent,  and  in  a  most 
reputable  company  oftered  a  salary  of  $2000.  I  said 
to  myself  this  is  a  good  opening  of  Providence.  I 
remained  for  four  years  or  over ;  my  health  was  im- 
proved, and  I  felt  a  great  desire  to  resume  the  work 
of  the  regular  ministry.  I  wished  to  do  so  in  the 
spring  of  1876,  and  hence  resigned  my  agency.  I 
suppose  some  few  in  the  Conference  felt  like  saying, 
"Brother  Manship  went  out  in  1872  to  engage  in 
secular  matters,  and  it  is  better  to  keep  him  out.'' 
It  is  likely  I  had  crossed  somebody's  path. 

Rev.  Wm.  H.  Elliott,  Presiding  Elder,  startled  me 
in  1876  Conference,  when  he  said  to  me,  "  Brother 
Manship,  if  you  ask  for  an  effective  relation  Brother 


132 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


C.  will  oppose  you  I  said,  then  I  will  continue  my 
supernumerary  relation.  I  have  tendered  my  res- 
ignation in  a  business  aspect.  I  will  preach  for  the 
brethren,  do  all  the  good  I  can,  and  trust  in  God 
that  in  1877  an  effectual  door  will  open.  So  that 
year  I  had  no  salary  from  any  source.  I  naturally 
had  to  become  more  embarrassed,  for  my  family  was 
pretty  large.  The  Lord  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  the 
people  of  a  certain  church  to  use  their  utmost  en- 
deavors to  procure  my  services  for  1877.  I  have  the 
letters  of  the  committee  now.  They  said,  "  We  will 
move  you;  we  want  you  for  spiritual  revival  work; 
we  want  you  to  settle  down  with  us ;  you  can  help 
to  build  us  up.  We  thought  of  another  minister ; 
had  asked  the  Presiding  Elder  of  his  district.  Rev. 
C.  F.  Turner,  for  the  minister,  but  we  were  honorably 
excused,  and  the  Elder  said  to  the  committee:  "I 
agree  with  you  that  Brother  Manship  just  now  is 
the  most  suitable  man  you  could  get."  The  people 
in  Philadelphia  said,  "  He  will  be  the  right  man  in 
the  right  place."  The  committee,  time  after  time, 
approached  their  own  Elder  and  told  him  they 
wanted  Brother  Manship.  He  said,  "  Do  you  know 
him?"  They  replied,  "We  have  known  him  for 
thirty  years!"  Their  Elder  said  to  them,  "Will 
Brother  Manship  suit  you  ?"  "  Yes,  better  than  any 
other  man  just  now  in  the  Conference."  The  Elder 
said,  "Will  you  not  put  down  another  name  or 
two?"  "No,  we  do  not  want  any  one  else."  The 
Elder  said,  as  the  committee  informed  me,  "  He  can 
make  a  noise !"  They  replied,  "  We  want  some  one 
that  can  do  that  very  thing,  for  we  have  been  asleep 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


133 


and  dead  long  enough,  and  ought  to  be  awakened 
out  of  sleep."  The  Elder  said,  "He  is  supernu- 
merary, and  I  do  not  know  that  the  Conference  will 
change  his  relation."  "  We  are  ready,"  said  they, 
"  to  take  him  whether  the  Conference  changes  his 
relation  or  not,  and  we  have  the  best  of  reasons  for 
desiring  him;  we  feel  satisfied  that  his  pastoral 
habits,  his  fondness  for  the  children,  his  ability  to 
sing,  and  his  warm  manner  of  preaching  and  ex- 
horting, is  just  what  we  want,  and  we  can  give  him 
a  good  support."  They  did  not  ask  for  any  one  else 
that  year!  I  said  to  them,  "  Brethren,  drop  me,  and 
ask  for  some  other  minister;  the  Elder  is  not  in 
sympathy  with  my  going  to  your  appointment."  I 
do  not  say  it  in  an  acrimonious  spirit,  but  the 
course  pursued  to  defeat  this  arrangement  was  un- 
justifiable and  unkind.  Any  aggressive  minister 
will  have  opponents,  if  he  do  not  say  "  Shibboleth!" 
as  certain  ones  in  the  laity  and  ministry  want  us  to 
do,  and  if  we  "  make  a  noise,"  and  outstrip  our 
superiors  in  practical  matters  and  results,  we  have 
to  "  mourn  at  the  last."  But  it  is  to  be  hoped 
in  all  such  cases  (and  it  is  likely  there  are 
others),  it  may  be  verified,  "  Blessed  are  they 
that  mourn  for  they  shall  be  comforted."  Bishop 
Foster  for  the  first  time  presided  in  Philadel- 
phia Conference;  he  was  a  stranger  to  me  and  I  to 
him,  I  did  not  button-hole  him.  I  felt  hopeful, 
that  as  I  had  several  personal  friends  in  the  coun- 
cil, that  all  would  be  well,  and  that  I  would  be 
properly  looked  after.  In  that  particular,  to  a  great 
extent,  I  was  mistaken.    To  accomplisli  my  defeat 


134 


A  BKIEF  HISTORY 


three  of  my  creditors,  I  am  afraid,  were  instructed 
to  make  complaint  just  at  that  time  to  the  Elder, 
who  was  very  pliable  to  the  plaintiffs,  apparently 
forgetting  that  the  defendant  had  rights  that  ought 
to  have  been  somewhat  respected ;  for  if  our  purse  is 
taken  that  is  trash,  but  when  you  filch  from  us  our 
good  name  you  make  us  exceedingly  poor.  It  is 
awful  when  we  are  "  wounded  in  the  house  of  our 
friends."  The  idea  of  sending  three  bills,  one  of 
$5,  one  about  $20,  and  the  other  was  $150,  to  a 
"  Committee  of  Conference,"  and  there  were  no  ag- 
gravating circumstances  in  either  case,  and  having 
a  minister  who  had  not  received  for  the  year  a 
dollar  of  salary  (and  each  of  the  debts  of  recent  con- 
traction), cited  to  appear  before  that  committee  to 
explain,  and  for  them  to  see  if  there  was  any  cause 
of  action  against  the  minister.  This  was  all  done 
in  dear  old  St.  George's  in  1877,  and  the  gal- 
leries crowded  with  spectators,  my  friends  "from 
near  and  from  far."  The  bishop  had  the  kind- 
ness to  say  "  there  was  nothing  against  the 
moral  character  of  Brother  Manship,  it  related  to 
financial  questions."  But  the  people  did  not 
know  fully  the  state  of  the  case,  though  the  bishop 
did  explain  very  kindly.  The  committee  on  "Con- 
ference  Relations,"  and  "  The  Committee  of  Confer- 
ence" met  jointly  and  soon  made  up  their  minds 
that  there  was  nothing  against  Brother  Manship,  and 
so  reported  to  the  conference.  But  the  harm  was 
done,  the  minister's  way  was  hedged  up.  Bishop 
Foster  did  not  fully  comprehend  the  drift  of  things, 
for  sometimes  Satan  appears  in  the  garb  of  an  angel 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


135 


of  light,  and  the  very  elect  may  be  deceived.  If  I 
should  live  to  publish  my  work,  "  Forty  years  in  the 
Wilderness,"  I  have  a  personal  reminiscence  of  a 
case  of  deception  practised  on  two  Presiding  Elders 
and  a  Bishop,  between  thirty  and  forty  years  ago, 
and  a  great  end  was  achieved,  but  great  harm  done. 
It  will  startle  many  people.  The  leading  spirit  is 
still  alive,  but,  I  regret  to  say,  has  made  a  shipwreck 
of  Faith.  What  injury  he  did  me.  "  Another  such 
victory  would  have  ruined  me !"  If  parties  could 
have  had  another  spirit  with  them  how  thrilling 
and  profitable  might  have  been  the  results !  It  is 
more  than  likely  that  had  the  writer  been  permitted 
to  go  to  the  point  named  and  remained  his  three 
years  from  1877  to  1880,  the  grandest  spiritual 
results  would  have  followed.  In  three  years  how 
his  finances  would  have  been  built  up,  and  his 
ministerial  status  have  been  gloriously  strengthened 
and  sufferings  averted,  and  hard  speeches  by  disap- 
pointed creditors  who  did  not  understand  the  case 
would  never  have  been  uttered ;  credit  would  not 
have  been,  to  any  extent,  forfeited. 

I  had  no  income  worth  naming  for  the  year, 
except  from  marriage  fees.  If  my  brethren  thought- 
fully had  first  accorded  to  me  my  disciplinary 
rights,  and  given  me,  as  they  were  doing  at  that 
very  time  to  others  that  never  did,  in  some  cases, 
half  or  one-tenth  part  of  the  herculean  work,  it 
would  have,  at  that  identical  conference  of  1877, 
been  more  than  enough  to  have  enabled  me  to  have 
adjudicated  all  three  of  the  claims  over  which  there 
was  such  a  furor.    If  I  had  been  the  Presiding 


136 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Elder,  I  would  have  tried  my  best,  I  think,  to  have 
done  it ;  and  the  other  thing  of  parading  those  bills 
before  the  Conference,  I  would  have  left  undone. 
He  is  an  able  minister,  and  I  have  no  ill-feeling 
towards  him  ;  but  is  every  able  minister  adapted  to 
that  very  responsible  office  amongst  us  ?  To-day,  as 
heretofore,  I  have  been  an  earnest  advocate  of  the 
office,  but  let  us  have  God's  noblemen,  the  very 
wisest,  the  most  experienced,  the  most  feeling  and 
most  "  unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of 
the  Lord in  the  office  as  aforetime.  For  this  officer 
has  in  his  hands,  if  not  our  lives,  to  a  great  extent, 
"our  fortunes  and  our  sacred  honor.''  We  some- 
times have  been  tempted  to  say  of  this  momentous 
Methodist  feature  of  the  ministry  (in  very  rare  cases) : 
"And  whom  he  would  he  set  up,  and  whom  he 
would  he  put  down." 

As  Bishop  Peck  said  at  the  conference  in  1879, 
"How  can  they  expect  Brother  Manship  to  meet 
his  responsibilities  when  he  is  deprived  of  all  the 
prerequisites  by  which  he  can  come  up  to  the 
scriptural  standard  ^  owe  no  man  any  thing  but 
love.' " 

My  readers  will  pardon  me  for  bringing  out  the 
fact  that  in  1876  I  united  in  marriage  one  hundred 
and  five  couples,  which  brought  in  four  hundred  and 
twenty-one  dollars !  Does  this  indicate  that  I  had 
sacrificed  tpy  good  name  in  the  community,  not- 
withstanding I  was  "tormented  before  the  time?" 
And  can  not  people  with  good  judgment  see  if  I 
had  received  appointments  that  my  age,  services 
and  adaptation  seemed  to  call  for,  what  the  finan- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


137 


cial  outcome  in  the  payment  of  those  liabilities,  in 
the  regular  work,  with  its  grand  labors  and  results, 
would  have  been,  and  increased  all  the  time,  the 
reputation  earned  by  hard  work  in  the  Christian 
ministry,  to  which  my  heart  was  consecrated  in  the 
days  of  my  youth,  and  with  the  outside  prerequi- 
sites added  on,  would  have  "  borne  us  conqueror 
through,''  and  brought  about  glorious  results  and 
we  could  have  shouted  : 

**  Deliverance  has  come  I" 

And  by  the  Spring  of  1880,  when  I  would  constitu- 
tionally have  closed  my  pastorate  at  ,  I  could 

have  triumphantly  said,  "  If  the  Son  sets  us  free,  we 
are  free  indeed/'  Then  the  exchequer  and  the  open- 
ings would  have  been  of  such  a  character  that  I 
could  have  said,  "  Here  I  am,  send  me "  if  you 
choose,  east,  west,  north  or  south ;  I  do  not  belong  to 
the  militia,  but  am  a  regular  in  the  army,  to  go 
wherever  ordered.  Does  not  this  throw  light  on 
the  subject? 

We  have  done  the  best  we  could  under  the  cir- 
cumstances. Settling  down  in  Philadelphia,  in 
1879,  for  wise  and  noble  purposes,  we  have  entered 
into  every  open  door  on  an  Evangelistic  basis.  "  In 
journeyings,  often  in  peril's  of  water,  in  perils  of  rob- 
bers, in  perils  of  mine  own  countrymen,  in  perils 
by  the  heathen,  in  perils  in  the  city,  in  perils  in  the 
wilderness,  in  perils  on  the  sea,  in  perils  among 
false  brethren,  in  weariness  and  painfulness,  in 
watchings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastings 
often,  in  cold  and  nakedness."    Still  we  prosecuted 


188 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


the  great  work  of  educating  our  children  in  the 
public  schools  by  remaining  as  residents  of  Phila- 
delphia, a  most  important  matter  to  us  under  the 
circumstances,  and  in  winning  souls  from  the 
spring  of  1879  to  1882,  from  Tangier  Island,  in  Vir- 
ginia, to  Atlanticville,  New  Jersey,  and  can  honestly 
say  we  were  in  labors  abundant."  On  this  Evan- 
gelistic work  from  1879  to  1882,  I  shall  hope  to  give 
my  readers  of  "  Forty  years  in  the  Wilderness,"  a 
moving  chapter  by  and  by. 

Providentially,  in  the  spring  of  1882,  I  was  led 
into  old  Sanctuary,  in  a  way  I  knew  not,  and  now 
last,  though  in  some  respects  not  least,  I  have 
fought  the  good  fight  of  faith  in  the  great  Wigwam 
or  Australian  circus.  Broad  and  Spring  Garden 
streets,  from  July  28th  to  October  7th,  and  now 
with  courage  and  determination  fully  resume  my 
labors  in  Sanctuary,  and  feel  strong  in  the  strength 
which  God  supplies  through  his  Eternal  Son. 
Brethren  pray  for  us  !  We  hope  and  fully  expect 
to  take  into  Sanctuary  a  power  and  influence  from 
the  great  Tent  meetings  that  wilt  be  irresistible. 
They  shall  come  from  the  east  and  west  and  north 
and  south  of  our  city,  and  help  us  to  build  up  the 
church  and  "  strengthen  the  weak  hands  and  con- 
firm the  feeble  knees."  Then  I  will  say,  "  Behold 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation,  now  Lord  lettest 
thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace." 

IL— HELP  ON  THE  INDIANS. 

It  gives  us  a  deeper  knowledge  of  human  nature 
to  recur  to  some  of  the  financial  lights  and  shad- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


139 


ows  through  which  we  passed  in  the  bold  attack  we 
were  moved  to  make  on  sin's  strongholds  at  Broad 
and  Spring  Garden  streets.  Many  very  pleasant 
financial  things  occurred.  One  of  the  pleasant 
things  was  an  honorable  gentleman  liberal  to 
the  poor,  but,  as  he  considers  for  good  reasons,  he 
refuses  to  give  anything  to  churches.  I  approached 
him  in  his  stately  mansion,  we  reasoned  on  the 
work,  in  the  course  of  our  conversation  we  said  we 
had  tried  to  be  kind  to  the  Indians  that  were 
left  behind  that  had  formerly  gone  through  their 
war  dances  and  other  unique  Indian  customs,  and 
had  been  a  great  attraction  under  that  immense 
Tent.  Furthermore,  we  had  paid  the  fare  of  one 
of  them  and  sent  him  on  to  the  Red  men  in  the  far 
west,  and  what  was  more  to  be  prized  than  all  the 
rest  we  had  tried  to  get  some  of  them  to  seek  salva- 
tion ;  among  them  an  Indian  princess.  She  knelt 
for  a  short  time.  I  think  her  predilections  were  favor- 
able to  the  Roman  Catholics.  Like  Sitting  Bull,  she 
favored  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  which  is 
much  better  than  none.  This  idea  I  obtained  from 
Dr.  Durbin's  Observations  in  Europe.  The  wealthy 
gentleman  said,  and  his  wife  and  daughters  were 
much  pleased,  "  Mr.  Manship,  anyhow,  I  will  give 
you  $5  to  help  on  your  work  with  the  Indians." 
May  this  be  only  the  beginning  of  that  gentleman's 
liberality  to  the  church,  which  is  really  the  bul- 
wark and  boast  of  our  free  institutions.  The  Gospel 
policy  is  the  best  for  the  Red  man  of  America. 
"Then  shall  they  beat  their  swords  into  plough- 
shares and  their  spears  into  pruning  hooks,  and 


140 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


learn  war  no  more."  Praise  the  Lord  for  the  pros- 
pect. Since  the  Tent  meeting  closed  the  Lord  has 
sent  to  our  help  in  Sanctuary  an  Indian  preacher. 
He  has  preached  and  lectured  with  great  power  and 
acceptability.  How  much  he  can  do  in  bringing 
the  Indians  to  Christ.  He  is  going  back  to  the  far 
west  in  the  near  future  to  preach  to  them.  I  refer 
to  Rev.  J.  J.  Kelley. 

III.— "GET  OUT  OF  THE  OLD  RUTS." 

In  prosecuting  a  purely  denominational  work  you 
call  on  certain  leading  men,  hunt  them  down  "  like 
the  partridge  on  the  mountain "  weary  them  by 
your  continued  coming."  All  this  I  know  experi- 
mentally. How  grand  and  exhilirating  it  has  been 
in  this  gospel,  non-sectarian  work,  to  come  in  contact 
with  men  of  different  creeds,  some  not  religious  at 
all,  and  finding  our  objects  and  aims  are  mainly  one. 
I  have  reached  Mr.  B.,  Mr.  G.,  Mr.  H.,  of  Broad 
street,  Mr.  H.,  of  Green  street,  Mr.  B>,  of  Broad  street, 
Mr.  W.,  Mr.  B.,  of  Green  street,  Mr.  McN.,  Dr.  R.,  Dr. 
F.,  Mr.  H.,  Messrs.  T.  &  H.  and  others.  Visited  some 
of  them  in  their  houses,  in  some  cases  prayed  in 
their  splendid  homes.  I  feel  as  though  I  have  com- 
menced life  over  again,  and  history  will  repeat 
itself  on  broad,  expansive,  Christian,  liberal  princi- 
ples. It  has  been  said  by  some  in  relation  to  my- 
self (perhaps  those  persons  did  not  understand  the 
case,  or  they  might  have  been  envious),  his  useful- 
ness in  Philadelphia  is  ended,  nobody  wants  him, 
he  has  stayed  here  too  long."  To  any  that  feel  so, 
we  will  not  specially  "  fall  out  with  them  by  the 
way,'^  but  inform  them  it  is  probable  we  shall  con- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


141 


tinue  to  the  end  of  life  and  here  be  buried,  and 
rise  in  the  resurrection  morning  with  our  brethren 
and  sisters  in  the  Lord,  our  kindred  and  loved  ones 
who  have  passed  on  before,  and  our  bodies  "  be 
fashioned  like  unto  His  glorious  body/' 

I  hope  this  is  not  quite  correct.  Suppose  we  review 
the  quarter,  ending  October  the  1st  1883,  in  regard 
to  "  the  humble  labors  and  results  in  Philadelphia:'' 
1st.  We  have  had  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  under 
our  supervision ;  it  is  true  we  only  preached  the 
most  of  the  time  on  Sabbath  mornings.  2d.  We 
have  secured  the  Tent,  as  set  forth  in  the  foregoing 
pages,  at  a  cost  of  $300,  and  manfully  met  its  lia- 
bilities, and  constantly  occupied  it  day  and  night 
from  July  28th  to  October  1st.  3d.  We  have  visited 
the  sick  at  various  hours,  and  attended  many  funer- 
als amongst  all  classes.  4th.  In  addition  to  the 
regular  numerous  services  in  the  Tent,  we  prepared 
sermons  thirty-six  days  in  succession  of  fifteen 
minutes  in  length,  and  delivered  them  with  earnest- 
ness to  workingmen  between  12  and  1  o'clock. 
5th.  We  have  baptized  and  married  our  full 
proportion.  In  reference  to  the  latter  interesting 
ceremony,  I  am  happy  to  say  I  have,  as  I  hope 
prudently,  united  together  in  thq  holy  bonds  of 
matrimony  thirty-one  couples  during  that  time, 
and  sent  away  a  few  couples  because  they  were 
ineligible  by  a  variety  of  circumstances.  6th. 
And  last  and  not  least,  in  toil,  anxiety  and 
labor,  has  been  the  financial  pressure.  We  had 
not  a  dollar  to  begin  with  on  the  28th  of  July, 
and  knew  not  where  it  was  to  come  from;  but 


142 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


faith  and  works  have  carried  us  through  to  the 
amount  of  about  six  hundred  dollars — Tent  and 
running  expenses.  Some  may  say  "this  alabaster 
box  of  ointment — of  spikenard  very  precious — 
ought  not  to  have  been  wasted Is  not  the 
salvation  of  one  blood-bought  soul  worth  infinitely 
more  than  all  the  toil  and  expense?  Praise  be 
given  to  God,  we  have  had  seventeen  saved,  and 
forty-eight  have  stood  up  for  prayers,  and  the  pre- 
cious seed  sown  for  a  glorious  and  an  eternal  har- 
vest. And  I  hope  our  usefulness  is  not  at  an  end 
in  Philadelphia. 

Paul  Jones,  of  Revolutionary  fame,  had  a  great 
naval  engagement  and  finally  captured  two  British 
frigates.  The  British  commander,  seeing  that 
bloody  work  was  done  on  board  the  American  ves- 
sel, commanded  Paul  Jones  to  surrender.  The  in- 
trepid American  sent  him  word,  it  is  said,  "  I  have 
not  commenced  fighting  yet."  We  hope  to  fight 
many  spiritual  battles  yet  and  win  many  dctories 
in  the  Sacramental  army  in  Philadelphia,  and 
where  the  Lord  "  leadeth  me."  *^  Brethren  pray  for 
us."  Let  me  live  in  youi*  sympathies.  I  know  I 
must  not  expect  too  much. 

0,  ask  not,  hope  thou  not  too  much 

Of  sympathy  helow  ; 
Few  are  the  hearts  whence  one  same  touch 

Bid  the  sweet  fountain  flow.'* 

As  a  venerable  and  successful  lawyer  and  physi- 
cian is  respected  and  in  demand  why  should  not 
the  experienced  minister,  who  has  studied  with 


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148 


theology,  human  nature  and  adaptation  for  many 
years,  be  wonderfully  useful  and  shine  more  and 
more  until  the  perfect  day  ?  I  hope  this  may  be  my 
happy  lot.  I  expect  it  to  be,  and  hope  to  slay  more 
in  death,  Samson-like,  than  in  my  life. 

Happy  if  with  my  latest  breath 

I  may  but  gasp  His  name  ; 
Preach  Him  to  all  and  cry  in  death 
Behold,  behold  the  Lamb  !" 

Words  thus  uttered  preach  with  great  eloquence 
and  power.  Wesley's  words  in  death  were,  "  the  best 
of  all,  God  is  with  us  Bishop  McKendry's  words, 
"  All  is  well !"  Dudley  Tyng's  words,  "  Stand  up  for 
Jesus  Alfred  Cookman's,  "  I  am  sweeping  through 
the  gates,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  are 
glorious  and  immortal.  How  impressive  are  dying 
words.  St.  Paul's  cap  the  climax,  "I  am  now  ready 
to  be  offered !" 

"IF  HE  WERE  DEAD  WE  WOULD  BURY  HIM." 

Of  course  I  am  too  much  of  a  gentleman  to  men- 
tion names,  but  the  following  is  too  sprightly  to  be 
unrecorded.  One  of  my  committee  approached  a 
certain  city  official  and  spoke  to  him  of  the  good 
work  being  done  through  the  labors  of  Rev.  A. 
Manship  and  his  colleagues,  in  the  Tent,  and  asked 
the  gentleman  if  he  would  aid  the  work  by  a  con- 
tribution. He  told  the  committee-man  as  follows, 
with  considerable  dignity  :  We  have  so  many  calls 
of  this  kind  we  have  to  halt,  and  must  decline  giving 
anything  to  you.    Mr.  Manship  is  no  doubt  doing 


144 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


a  good  work,  and  he  is  well  and  favorably  known  as 
an  indefatigable,  useful  man,  and  if  it  was  to  aid 
him,  say  for  instance,  in  ease  of  death,  we  would 
feel  bound  to  assist  in  burying  him  It  is  gratify- 
ing to  know  there  is  a  prospect  of  getting  buried 
when  dead.  1  will  quote  a  quaint  passage  of  scrip- 
ture for  the  benefit  of  that  city  official :  "  A  living 
dog  is  better  than  a  dead  lion !"  We  want  "  living 
sacrifices"  not  dead  ones,  "wholly  acceptable  unto 
God,  which  is  your  reasonable  service."  I  am  hope- 
ful that  that  "  Scribe,"  I  will  not  say  Pharisee  (for 
he  may  be  a  very  good  Christian),  will  not  be  called 
on  to  assist  in  burying  me  for  many  long  years.  I 
want  to  live  "  to  do  good  and  communicate."  I 
have  preached  the  funeral  sermons  of  several  city 
officials,  and  may  be  called  on  again ;  and  if  it 
should  come  to  pass,  and  such  a  thing  is  possible, 
the  city  official  should  die  first,  and  if  such  an  in- 
significant clergyman  as  myself  should  be  called 
upon  to  take  part  in  the  services,  every  body  would 
see  that  I  went  on  the  basis  "  now  abideth  faith, 
hope,  charity,  these  three,  but  the  greatest  of  these  is 
charity." 

IF  YOU  ARE  A  MINISTER  THAT'S  SUFFICIENT. 

In  our  eff'orts  to  raise  the  funds,  mostly  we  had 
"kind  words  that  shall  never  die"  spoken  to  us. 
Some  we  will  say,  not  overly  honorable  exceptions. 
I  was  trying  to  reach  a  certain  proprietor  of  an  ex- 
tensive establishment  not  far  from  the  Tent,  and 
enlist  him  in  our  good  work,  and  happened  to  say, 
"  I  am  the  minister  in  charge  of  the  Tent  work !" 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


145 


He  turned  his  back  on  me  and  said,  "  If  you  are 
the  minister  that's  sufficient.  Don't  say  any  thing 
more  to  me,  I  want  nothing  to  do  with  you  or  any 
of  your  fraternity."  So  a  wet  blanket  was  thrown 
on  me  and  my  cause,  and  it  w^ould  not  be  "  the 
more  excellent  way"  to  have  success  and  sunshine 
all  the  time.  Is  not  the  spirit  abroad  in  the  land 
to-day  that  arrested  Paul  and  Silas  in  their  gospel 
work  and  put  them  into  prison  for  casting  out  of  a 
young  woman  the  spirit  of  divination  who  brought 
her  masters  much  gain  by  soothsaying?  While 
we  were  at  the  Tent  trying  to  cast  out  devils,  trying 
to  oppose  the  liquor  traffic,  sensuality,  infidelity 
and  all  species  of  sin,  we  met  with  slurs,  innuendoes, 
criticisms  and  opposition  in  various  ways.  One 
notable  woman,  in  a  certain  street,  finding  some  of 
her  neighbors  would  go  night  after  night  to  the 
great  Tent  meetings  said,  "  Why  will  you  run  after 
that  crazy  fanatic  ?"  But  we  were  disposed  to  go  for- 
ward, shouting,"  0,  clap  your  hands  all  ye  people! 
shout  unto  God  with  the  voice  of  triumph  I" 

DON'T  WEARY  IN  WELL  DOING." 

There  is  an  individual  described  in  the  foregoing 
part  of  this  work,  who  took  the  pledge,  professed  reli- 
gion and  joined  the  church  on  probation.  I,  myself,, 
aided  him  a  little,  and  others  did  so.  He  spoke  in 
one  of  the  meetings  modestly,  beautifully,  but  he 
gave  w^ay  to  temptation ;  he  fell  away ;  he  came  into 
the  Tent  in  a  state  of  intoxication  ;  I  asked  him  to 
withdraw;  he  was  taken  ill;  he  sent  for  me  to  come 
and  see  him ;  I  went  three  times ;  prayed  with  him ; 


146 


A  BKIEF  HISTORY 


gave  him  a  small  amount  of  money.  This  man 
worked  on  my  sympathies  so  that  I  determined,  at 
his  request,  to  try  to  get  him  into  the  Reformatory 
Home.    I  succeeded.    See  the  following  paper. 

The  Franklin  Reformatory  Home. 

Philadelphia,  September  28th  1883. 

Rev,  a.  Manship  : 

Dear  Sir  :  We  will  take  Mr.  B.  on  your  recommendation 
and  give  him  a  trial.    Bring  him  with  you  at  any  time. 
Yours  respectfully, 

C.  J.  Gibbons,  Superintendent. 

I  went  to  his  room  to  take  him  personally  to  the 
Home.  I  found  him  with  his  room-mate  very  drunk. 
I  was  disheartened.  I  reproved  him  severely ;  I 
told  him  of  his  ingratitude,  and  left  him.  This  was 
the  latter  part  of  September  last.  His  life  from 
that  time  till  October  19th,  I  suppose  was  that  of  a 
friendless,  homeless  wanderer,  walking  the  streets 
all  night,  going  into  the  country  and  sleeping  in  out- 
houses. He  put  in  an  appearance  at  my  house  on 
the  19th  of  October  in  a  state  of  utter  destitution, 
yet  sober  and  intelligent.  Though  it  was  cool,  he 
was  badly  and  thinly  clad.  His  shoes  were  almost 
soleless,  his  hat  was  seedy,  and  all  the  clothes  he 
had  on  were  shabby,  and  only  consisted  of  a  pair 
of  pants,  a  shirt  and  a  threadbare  thin  coat.  In 
this  plight  I  seated  him,  when  he  came,  in  my  par- 
lor. He  told  me  his  tale  of  sorrow.  I  said  I  will  try 
again.  The  natural  way  would  be  to  spurn  him, 
out  this  comparatively  young  man,  well  educated, 
the  son  of  an  ex-Congressman  and  with  a  feeling 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


147 


heart,  full  of  hope,  must  be  pitied.  "  So  that  con- 
trawise,  ye  ought  to  forgive  him  and  comfort  him, 
lest  perhaps  such  an  one  should  be  swallowed  up 
with  overmuch  sorrow."  I  did  try  to  show  the 
magnanimity  of  the  gospel.  By  the  evening  of  the 
20th  I  had  shoes  and  stockings  on  his  feet,  under- 
clothing, vest  and  coat  (the  coat  was  of  excellent 
cloth),  neck-tie  and  collar — old  things  passed  away 
all  things  became  new.  I  was  assisted  by  calling 
on  Mrs.  John  Graham,  Mrs.  Christian  Bailey  and 
Rev.  J.  M.  Golday. 

I  took  him  down  in  person,  walking  every  step 
of  the  way,  on  Saturday  night,  to  the  Reformatory 
Home,  and  as  we  entered  the  door  I  caught  a 
glimpse,  by  the  gaslight,  of  the  inscription  on  the 
transom  of  the  door,  "  With  joy  we  greet  you." 

These  things  and  one  more  circumstance,  a  very 
bright  one,  caused  my  feelings  to  be  very  much 
aroused,  and  tears  to  flow  copiously.  You  will  in- 
quire, what  other  circumstance  does  he  mean  ?  I 
answer,  about  35  years  ago,  when  I  was  a  young 
itinerant  Methodist  preacher,  in  the  glorious  little 
state  of  Delaware,  the  president  of  this  grand  Re- 
formatory Institution,  S.  P.  Godwin,  Esq.,  was  an 
intelligent,  noble  young  man,  the  son  of  noble  sires, 
where  I  used  to  put  up;  he  was  won  to  Jesus,  and  I 
saw  him  triumphantly  converted  in  our  protracted 
meeting  in  Milford  M.  E.  Church,  and  at  a  late 
hour  in  the  night  we  accompanied  him,  with  many 
others  with  us,  to  his  paternal  home  singing  all  the 
way 


148 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Children  of  the  Heavenly  King, 
As  we  journey  let  us  sing  ; 
Sing  our  Saviour's  worthy  praise, 
Glorious  in  his  works  and  ways." 

With  tlie  soul-stirring  chorus 

Victory,  victory,  when  we've  gained  the  victory  ; 

O,  how  happy  we  shall  be  when  we  gain  the  victory  I" 

Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters,  for  thou  shalt 
find  it  after  many  days." 

Now  I  will,  as  confirmatory  of  this  narrative,  give 
my  readers  Mr.  B.'s  own  account. 

Philadelphia,  October  — ,  1883. 

Rev.  Andrew  Manship  : 

My  Dear  Sir  :  Learning  that  you  are  about  to  publish  a 
statement  concerning  the  doings  in  the  Tent  at  Spring  Garden 
and  Broad  streets,  last  summer,  and  wishing  most  sincerely  to 
render  you  any  service  that  may  be  in  my  power,  I  take  this 
opportunity  to  give  to  the  public,  through  you,  a  short  story  of 
what  a  Christian,  such  as  you,  will  go  through  to  save  a  sinner. 
I  came  to  the  Tent  last  August,  a  worn-out,  hungry,  ragged  and 
inebriated  tramp,  and  a  perfect  stranger,  and  by  you,  and  you 
alone,  I  was  fed  and  sheltered  for  some  three  days,  and  actually 
set  on  my  feet  (so  that  I  was  enabled  to  earn  a  living,  the  same 
amounting  to  some  fifteen  or  eighteen  dollars  per  week),  at  a 
considerable  expense  of  money  to  you,  besides  much  time. 
After  some  days  of  sobriety  and  thought,  I  joined  your  church 
on  probation,  but  in  an  evil  hour  I  was  tempted,  and  fell.  How 
you  must  have  felt.  Money,  time  and  sympathy  wasted  on  an 
ungrateful-  and  worthless  human  being,  A  few  weeks  passed  on 
and  I  fell  sick  at  my  miserable  lodgings.  Being  friendless  and 
penniless,  and  not  knowing  which  way  to  turn,  I  sent  for  you, 
hardly  supposing  that  you  would  pay  any  attention  to  my  call. 
Ah,  but  you  came  and  fed  me,  and  cheered  me,  and  prayed  for 
me  •,  and  when  I  recovered,  you  proposed  that  I  should  go  to  the 


OF  aOSPEL  TENTS. 


149 


Franklin  Home,  taking  upon  yourself  the  time  and  trouble 
necessary  to  obtain  my  admission.  And  the  very  day  that  I  was 
to  enter  that  institution  you  came  to  my  room  and  found  me, 
alas  that  it  was  so,*'  drunk  1  Your  just  indignation  was 
aroused  and  you  left  me,  but.  still  bidding  me  come  to  your 
church.  Some  three  or  four  weeks  later,  in  the  stormy  part  of 
the  month  of  October,  being  homeless,  penniless,  friendless  and 
in  rags,  and  driven  to  desperation,  I  had  the  impudence  to  call 
at  your  house,  as  the  last  resort,  for  aid,  fully  expecting  to  be 
ordered  away  from  your  door  ;  but,  "  thank  God/'  I  was  taken 
by  the  hand,  sheltered  and  fed  for  two  days,  and  then  clothed 
and  placed  in  the  Franklin  Home  for  Inebriates,  from  which, 
with  God's  favor"  I  hope  to  come  forth  a  changed  man.  Words 
can  not  express  my  thanks  to  you,  or  my  appreciation  of  your 
noble  Christian  character  ;  but  it  is  felt  way  down  in  my  heart, 
and  God  on  high  has  the  record  of  the  story.  Humbly  hoping 
that  while  life  lasts  I  may  be  able  to  sign  myself, 

Your  Brother  in  Christ, 

B  . 

One  of  my  leading  designs  in  occupying  the  great 
Tent  was  to  strengthen  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  ; 
though  much  discouraged  many  said,  "  The  Tent  is 
too  far  off,  how  can  it  benefit  Sanctuary?''  1st.  We 
expected  to  benefit  her  by  extensive  advertising. 
Who  does  not  know  the  value  of  advertising?  It  is 
a  low  estimate  to  suppose  50,000  people  read  our 
bulletin  opposite  our  Tent  door,  standing  out  in 
bold  relief  on  Broad  street.  Also  by  the  press  and 
hand-bills  we  proclaimed  Sanctuary  on  the  house- 
top." 2d.  We  expected  to  benefit  her  by  bringing 
into  her  a  larger  congregation,  from  our  working- 
men's  meetings,  from  our  general  meetings,  and 
i  our  children's  meetings.  3d.  Also  by  adding  to 
her  membership.    This  has  already  commenced; 


150 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


the  stream  has  commenced  flowing.  It  is  true  some 
have  joined  not  overly  promising  to  my  people,  but 
others  are  promising.  "  My  hope  is  full,  oh  glorious 
hope  !"    My  readers  will  shed  tears  when  they  read 

Mr.  B  's  letter,  speaking  of  some  humble  services 

rendered,  patience,  perseverance,  &c.  Two  promis- 
ing, gifted  young  men  have  watched  our  energetic 
work  of  faith  and  labor  of  love.  One  from  one  of 
our  most  aristocratic  M.  E.  Churches  by  certificate, 
and  one  on  probation,  well  educated,  competent  to 
lead  in  prayer  and  speak  in  public,  and  he,  Mr. 
McAllister,  did  deliver  in  the  Tent,  on  Sabbath  after- 
noon August  5th,  a  stirring  public  address,  that 
moved  the  hearts  of  not  a  few  people.  None  the 
worse  is  he  because  he  is  an  Irishman,  and  always 
trained,  from  childhood,  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church — a  blessing  to  any  child  thus  to  be  reared. 
God  bless  the  Presbyterians  for  their  great  respect 
for  the  Christian  Sabbath,  and  for  their  care  in 
training  their  offspring ! 

I  observed  a  pensive  looking  lady  apparently 
clinging  to  the  cross ;  she  was  a  mother,  and  how 
strong  is  a  mother's  love?  I  found  she  had 
lost  a  lovely  son  last  summer  (22d  of  August)  at 
Lake  Side  Park,  by  drowning.  His  last  Sabbath 
on  earth  was  well  occupied.  The  mother  and  this 
piously  trained  youth  had  arranged  to  attend  our 
great  Tent  meeting  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden 
streets,  but  the  rain  prevented  them.  Clad  in  the 
habiliments  of  mourning,  she  came  without  the 
son,  and  praise  to  our  sympathizing  Jesus,  in  the 
glorious  Gospel  Tent,  she  was  not  "  ashamed  of  the 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


151 


Gospel,"  and  bowed  before  the  Lord  and  found 
strong  consolation  by  trusting  in  the  Saviour,  and 
from  her  penitent  aching  heart  said — 

*^  Other  refuge  have  I  none, 
Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  Thee." 

John  S.,  the  youth  referred  to,  was  sixteen  years  old, 
and  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Cadets  of  Tem- 
perance and  a  Sabbath  School  scholar,  and  only  on 
the  Sabbath  before  his  death  by  drowning  he  was  soli- 
cited by  the  Superintendent  to  announce  a  hj^mn  of 
his  own  selection  in  the  school ;  this  he  did.  The 
hymn  was  as  follows — was  not  this  significant  ? 

Fierce  and  wild  the  storm  is  raging,  . 

Round  a  helpless  bark  ; 
On  to  doom  'tis  swiftly  driving, 
O'er  the  waters  dark  I 
Chorus. — Joy,  oh  joy  I  behold  the  Saviour! 

Joy,  oh  joy  I  the  message  hear  I 
I'll  stand  by  until  the  morning, 

I've  come  to  save  you,  do  not  fear. 
Yes,  I'll  stand  by  until  the  morning, 
I've  come  to  save  you,  do  not  fear  1 

Weary,  helpless,  hopeless  seamen, 

Fainting  on  the  deck  ; 
With  what  joy  they  hail  their  Saviour, 

As  he  hails  the  wreck.  ' 

On  a  wild  and  stormy  ocean, 

Sinking  'neath  the  waves  ; 
Souls  that  perish  heed  the  message, 

Christ  has  come  to  save  I 

Daring  death  the  soul  to  rescue, 

He  in  love  has  come  ; 
Leave  the  wreck,  and  in  him  trusting, 

Thou  shalt  reach  thy  home. 


A  BRIEF 


HISTORY 


This  weeping  mother  came  forward  on  Sabbath 
morning,  October  21st  1883,  in  Sanctuary  M.  E. 
Church,  after  hearing  a  sermon  by  the  writer  on 
The  joy  of  the  Lord  is  your  strength,"  and  joined 
on  probation,  feeling,  "  weeping  endureth  for  the 
night  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning."  So  the 
work  will  go  on,  as  we  trust,  in  Sanctuary  (and  in 
all  the  churches),  and  she  will  be  built  up  tempo- 
rally and  spiritually.  Just  as  soon  as  the  public 
find  the  minister  and  the  membership  are  united  in 
trying  to  promote  the  salvation  of  the  masses,  and 
a  genuine  Gospel  revival  breaks  out,  on  the  right 
and  left,  and  I  feel  in  my  soul  the  set  time  to  favor 
Zion  has  come.  You  will  find  "whatever  obstructs, 
obstructs  in  vain."  No  longer  will  it  be  said, 
Sanctuary  is  doomed;  Sanctuary  had  better  sell 
out;  Sanctuary  is  not  well  located;  Sanctuary  is 
not  self-sustaining;  Sanctuary  cannot  pay  her 
debts ;  she  ought  to  have  been  sold  long  ago,"  and 
many  other  damaging  things.  Everybody  will 
pray,  "  cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  sanctuary : " 
Daniel,  9th  chapter,  17th  verse. 

And  now,  looking  on  her  internal  appearance, 
cleansed  of  late  by  the  energy  of  a  few  faithful 
members  and  friends,  which  had  not  been  done  for 
six  years  or  more,  and  what  an  improvement !  An 
old  saying  is,  piety  and  cleanliness  go  hand  in 
hand;  and  while  we  want  internal  proofs  of  the 
increasing  power  of  the  sanctuary,  external  proof  is 
not  unacceptable ;  so  the  writer  called  his  trustees 
together  and  said,  "  Brethren  now  let  us  give  the  dear 
old  church  home  two  coats  of  paint,  in  front  at  least. 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


153 


I  will  go  amongst  my  personal  outside  friends  and 
father  up  the  necessary  funds."  Those  dear  breth- 
ren approved  the  proposition.  And  now  we  can 
say  of  her,  she  is  "  beautiful  for  situation,  the  joy  of 
the  whole  earth  is  Mount  Zion,  on  the  sides  of  the 
north,  the  city  of  the  Great  King." 

And  from  the  great  Tent  meeting  and  from  the 
labors  of  his  servants  in  the  past  and  present  year, 
in  the  cottage  prayer  meetings,  in  the  market 
house  and  hose  house,  from  "  warning  people  from 
house  to  house  with  tears,"  and  from  the  efforts  ia 
the  Sunday  school  and  from  the  pulpit,  which  has 
not  given  an  uncertain  sound,  "  what  a  gathering 
of  the  people  that  will  be ;"  how  arrows  of  convic- 
tion will  fly;  what  conversions  on  the  principles 
of  the  day  of  Pentecost  will  take  place,  and  once 
more  Sanctuary  will  be  "the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation,"  and  the  passage  will  be  realized  by 
scores  and  hundreds  crying  for  mercy,  "Send  thee 
help  from  the  sanctuary,  and  strengthen  thee  out 
of  Zion !"  Then  we  shall  :^nd  the  people  coming  to 
the  Sanctuary  from  all  quarters  to  drink  out  of  the 
"  river,  the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  city  of 
God." 

Its  streams  the  whole  creation  reach, 

So  plenteous  is  the  store  ; 
Enough  for  all,  enough  for  each, 

Enough  for  evermore  I'* 

Receiving  the  authority  on  Sabbath  evening 
November  11th,  to  aid  the  trustees  of  Sanctuary  in 
painting  the  outside  of  the  church  to  make  her 
look  more  inviting,  I  modestly  referred  to  it  when 


154 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


I  preached  on  Wednesday  evening,  Nov.  14th,  in 
Roxborough  M.  E.  Church  (Rev.  Mr.  Graff's) ;  on 
Thursday  evening  at  Merion  Square  M.  E.  Church, 
(Rev.  Mr.  Pretty  man's),  Nov.  15th,  and  at  the  St. 
George's  M.  E.  Church,  New  Castle  county,  Del., 
(Rev.  Mr.  Cochran's),  where  I  was  invited  to  assist 
in  the  reopening  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  Nov.  18th, 
1883.  At  all  of  these  points,  through  my  books,  I 
did  a  little  (if  necessary),  for  the  object  named. 

Is  it  not  a  singular  thing,  that  as  I  supposed,  I 
ended  this  chapter  sometime  ago  by  quoting  the 
passage  relating  to  the  river,  that  makes  glad  the 
city  of  God,  and  also  quoting  the  verse,  "its  streams 
the  whole  creation  reach,"  that  I  unwittingly,  with- 
out any  reference  to  the  close  of  my  Tent  book, 
wrote  a  sermon  at  the  St.  George's  parsonage  while 
I  looked  on  the  canal  that  connects  the  Delaware 
river  with  the  Chesapeake  bay  ?  I  never  preached 
from  it  in  my  life,  but  I  will  sometime,  if  my  life  is 
spared  awhile.  ,My  text  is  "  There  is  a  river,  &c.,'' 
Psalms,  46th  chapter,  4th  verse. 

I.  The  stream  of  salvation  is  like  a  river.  1.  On 
account  of  its  great  extent.  2.  On  account  of  its 
meandering  course.  3.  On  account  of  its  freeness. 
4.  On  account  of  its  cleansing  qualities. 

II.  Some  of  its  peculiarities.  1.  This  river  never 
needs  any  dredging,  it  is  always  deep  and  wide. 
Just  deep  enough  and  just  wide  enough.  2.  This 
river  is  always  healthful ;  there  is  no  miasma  or 
unwholesome  vapors  or  odors  ever  arise  from  it. 
3.  There  never  will  be  another  river  of  this  spiritual 
type  discovered  by  explorers  or  navigators.  This 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


155 


river  circumnavigates  and  washes  the  globe.  4. 
On  its  pure  waters,  clear  as  crystal,  we  sail  into  the 
celestial  port.    And  shout 

The  voyage  of  life  is  at  an  end  ; 
The  mortal  affliction  is  past ; 
The  age  that  in  Heaven  we  spend 
Forever  and  ever  shall  last.'' 

III.  How  does  its  streams  make  glad  the  city  of 
God  ?  1.  The  church  is  gladdened  in  seasons  of 
refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Where 
God's  spirit  is  poured  out  on  the  churches  and  his 
work  revived.  2.  This  is  fulfilled  when  heathen 
nations  quit  bathing  in  the  river  Ganges,  supersti- 
tiously,  and  plunge  into  the  healing  stream  and 
shout : 

"  There  may  I,  though  vile  as  he, 
Wash  all  my  sins  away  I" 

3.  This  is  fulfilled  when  the  streams  of  salvation 
roll  millions  on  Canaan's  happy  shore,  and  they 
come  up  out  of  great  tribulation  from  every  part  of 
the  habitable  globe,  and  their  garments  are  washed 
white  in  the  blood  of  the  lamb.  "  Yes,  whiter  than 
snow."  Isaiah  35th  chapter,  10th  verse.  "  And  the 
ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to 
Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their 
heads ;  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sor- 
row and  sighing  shall  flee  away." 

The  reopening  of  St.  George's,  on  the  Delaware 
and  Chesapeake  canal,  on  the  18th  of  November 
1883,  was  a  bright  day.  The  congregations  were 
large ;  three  times  we  had  service,  besides  a  prayer 


156 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


meeting  and  a  children's  meeting.  Thirty  years 
ago  I  was  there  when  the  present  church  was  dedi- 
cated. Rev.  Bishop  Waugh  and  Rev.  Brother  Den- 
nison,  who  were  there,  are  in  the  spirit  land,  and 
very  many  I  found  there  thirty  years  ago,  are 
over  there."  The  corner-stone  laying  I  also  attend- 
ed over  thirty  years  ago.  There  was  a  great  Tent 
set  up.  Rev.  Elon  J.  Way  and  Rev.  Mr.  Dennison, 
glorious  men  of  God,  were  the  circuit  preachers,  full 
of  hope  and  happiness ;  Rev.  Mr.  Howe,  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  took  part,  and  I  remember  I 
facetiously  said,  taking  hold  of  the  ropes  of  the 
Tent,  "Howe,  Howe,  Howe  shall  we  lengthen 
the  cords  and  strengthen  the  stakes  so  as  to 
build  up  here  a  strong  church  to  flame  with  the 
glory  of  God."  Then  said  to  Rev.  Mr.  Howe, 
"  Christian  union  is  one  way  to  bring  this  about," 
and,  I  presume,  all  along  the  line  of  battle,  from 
that  day  on  till  the  re-dedication,  thirty  years 
afterwards,  the  two  denominations  have  "  let  broth- 
erly love  continue."  Rev.  Mr.  Rumer,  the  present 
acceptable  and  gentlemanly  pastor  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  with  very  many  of  his  congregation, 
attended  the  morning  service  and  heard  a  thrilling 
sermon  from  Rev.  Mr.  Downey,  of  Broad  Street  M. 
E.  Church,  Philadelphia.  Rev.  Mr.  Rumer  was  one 
of  the  speakers  in  the  afternoon.  Also,  Rev.  Mr. 
Fries  and  Rev.  Mr.  Hunter,  former  pastors,  spoke 
with  directness  and  great  appropriateness,  and 
abounding  sympathy;  young  Rev.  Mr.  Dodd  dis- 
missed. It  was  one  of  the  best  afternoon  services  at 
a  reopening  or  dedication  I  ever  attended.    Rev.  Mr. 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


157 


Cochran,  the  young  pastor,  displayed  tact  and 
marked  ability  in  the  management  of  the  whole 
matter.  I  said  of  him  to  myself:  "He  has  an  old 
man's  head  on  a  young  man's  shoulders."  I  had 
the  honor  of  preaching  at  night  to  a  great  crowd,  as 
I  did  thirty  years  ago.  I  do  not  know  which  was 
the  better  of  the  two  sermons.  I  presume  in  neither 
case  did  I  "  do  many  wonderful  works."  "  And  I, 
brethren,  when  I  came  to  you,  came  not  with  excel- 
lency of  speech  or  of  wisdom,  declaring  unto  you 
the  testimony  of  God.  But  we  have  this  treasure 
in  earthen  vessels,  that  the  excellency  of  the  power 
may  be  of  God  and  not  of  us."  "  The  best  of  all 
God  was  with  us."  The  singing  was  superior. 
Miss  Wiser,  who  presided  at  the  organ  with  so  much 
grace  and  Christian  dignity,  won  laurels  that  day,  I 
am  sure.  The  tunes  we  felt  moved  to  ask  her  to 
render  were  given  cheerfully  in  every  case,  both  hy 
herself  and  the  choir,  avoiding  "putting  on  airs," 
and  seemed  to  me  to  sing  and  play  "  with  the  spirit 
and  understanding  also."  Such  a  choir  must  be  a 
blessing  to  the  church.  Another  thing  that  struck 
me  favorably  was  the  ability  in  the  power  of  song 
of  the  young,  energetic  superintendent  of  the  Sab- 
bath school,  Mr.  Pierce,  who  so  nobly  assisted  us 
with  the  children's  meeting.  He  is  also  one  of  the 
trustees  and  building  committee.  "  The  workmen  die, 
but  the  work  goes  on."  The  St.  George's  M.  E.  Church, 
so  well  fortified  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  cannot 
fail  to  be  a  "  savor  of  life  unto  life,  and  not  of  death 
unto  death."  The  sixteen  hundred  dollars  worth  of 
improvements  certainly  have  been  economically 


158 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


expe.nded  and  grandly  provided  for  before  dedica- 
tion and  opening  day.  The  parsonage  as  well  as 
the  church  is  a  gem.  The  preacher's  home  is  an 
honor  to  the  society ;  and  I  mean  what  I  say,  that 
the  inmates,  Rev.  Mr.  Cochran  and  his  lady,  are  an 
honor  to  the  parsonage.  Rev.  .Mr.  Downey  and 
myself  were  there  so  pleasantly  entertained,  I  lin- 
gered till  Monday  evening,  November  19tli  1883, 
rolling  up  a  good  list  of  subscribers  to  "Thirteen 
Years  in  the  Itinerac}^"  to  aid  me  a  little  in  improv- 
ing Sanctuary.  This  work  contains  quite  an  elabor- 
ate account  of  the  dedication,  thirty  years  ago.  It 
was  interesting,  therefore,  to  the  young  people.  I 
visited  and  prayed  with  several  interesting  families. 
On  Monday,  among  the  rest,  I  visited  my  old  friend, 
Mr.  Colder,  who  took,  thirty  years  ago,  such  a  deep 
interest  in  the  church.  I  was  glad  to  find  he  still 
felt  interested.  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know 
them.'' 

I  clipped  the  following  from  the  Wilmington  Con- 
ference Worker.  It  is  a  part  of  a  letter  written  by 
the  pastor  to  the  editor  soon  after  the  reopening : 

St.  George's,  New  Castle  Co.,  Del 
Rev.  C.  H.  Sentman. — Dear  Bro  :  We  had  an  excellent  day 
for  our  reopening  on  last  Sabbath,  November  18th.  It  could  not 
have  been  more  favorable  for  us  in  respect  to  the  weather.  Ac- 
cording to  previous  announcement,  Rev.  Wm.  Downey,  of  Phila- 
delphia, preached  in  the  morning  a  grand  sermon,  after  which 
about  $300  was  raised.  In  the  afternoon  a  reunion  service  was 
held.  Rev.  A.  Manship,  who  was  at  the  corner-stone  laying  and 
dedication,  thirty  years  ago,  Rev.  W.  H.  Fries,  of  Mahony  City, 
Pa.,  a  former  pastor,  Rev.  T.  B.  Hunter,  a  former  pastor,  and 
Rev.  H.  Rumer,  Presbyterian  pastor,  were  present  and  spoke. 


OF  GOSPI^L  TENTS. 


159 


Letters  from  former  pastors  who  could  not  be  present,  were  read 
by  the  pastor.  Also  letters  were  read  from  some  who  had  gone 
out  from  the  church  and  Sunday  school  to  preach  the  gospel. 
Incidents  of  interest  in  connection  with  the  church  and  people 
and  pastors  were  brought  out,  which  touched  many  hearts,  caus- 
ing tears  of  both  joy  and  sorrow  to  be  shed. 

The  choir  interspersed  appropriate  singing,  in  which  the  people 
could  and  did  take  part,  thus  deepening  the  impressions  and  add- 
ing greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  occasion.  A  collection  was 
taken  at  the  close  of  this  service,  and  the  benediction  was  pro- 
nounced by  Rev.  Julius  Dodd,  of  Red  Lion,  this  conference. 

At  6.30  p.  M.,  a  children's  meeting  was  held  in  charge  of  Rev. 
W.  H.  Fries,  who  spoke  to  the  children,  as  did  also  Rev.  A.  Man- 
ship,  and  the  present  pastor.  This  interesting  service  had  to 
close  too  soon,  in  view  of  the  evening  preaching. 

In  the  evening,  a  little  after  7  p.  m.,  Rev.  A.  Manship,  of 
Philadelphia,  preached  effectively  to  a  large  congregation,  after 
which  $375  more  was  raised.  Thus  closed  one  of  the  greatest 
days  in  the  history  of  St.  George's  M.  E.  Church.  In  view  of  oui 
services,  the  Presbyterian  pastor  and  people  came  over,  not  to 
Macedonia,  but  to  our  church,  and  helped  us  with  their  presence, 
kind  words  and  pocket-books.  This  cordiality  between  the  two 
denominations  here  is  of  long  standing,  and  under  the  leadership 
of  the  present  noble  man  of  God,  Rev.  H.  Rumer,  will  never 
grow  less,  we  feel  sure. 

I  reached  home  on  Monday  evening,  and  was  busily 
engaged  on  Tuesday  in  proper  Christian  work;  went 
at  4  p.  M.  to  express  a  few  of  my  books  to  St.  George's, 
that  the  loving  people  had  subscribed  for;  with 
books  in  my  arms,  taken  from  a  shelf  in  a  bindery, 
I  stepped  on  a  ladder,  the  bottom  slipped,  I  was 
precipitated  some  eight  feet,  and  my  right  foot  was 
badly  sprained.  Since  which  time  I  have  suffered 
very  severe  pain  up  to  this  writing,  November  24th 
1883;  but  I  do  not  murmur,  '^my  hands,  my  head 


160 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


and  my  heart  are  all  full."  And  although  I  cannot 
walk,  I  can  write  and  think,  and  within  a  few  days, 
through  the  U.  S.  Mail,  I  hope  to  write  and  send 
out  one  hundred  and  fifty  appeals  to  that  many 
chosen  precious  friends,  to  aid  me  a  little  in  getting 
dear  old  Sanctuary  ready  for  re-dedication  in  a  few 
weeks.  But  for  this  sprain  I  should  have  gone  in 
person.  "  But  the  Word  of  God  is  not  bound.'' 
You  might  as  well  undertake  to  stop  the  rolling  of 
the  mighty  waters  over  Niagara  Falls  as  to  dam  up 
the  tidal  wave  of  Salvation!  The  following  are 
some  of  the  responses  to  my  letters  relating  to 
Sanctuary : 

The  first  was  from  my  friend,  not  a  member  of 
any  church,  inclosing  $1  (Mr.  J.  B.  M.),  "  I  received 
your  note,  and  was  very  sorry  to  hear  that  you  met 
with  a  misfortune  in  spraining  your  ankle.  Hope 
you  will  soon  be  able  to  be  up  and  about.  Find  $1 
for  your  church." 

One  noble  friend  sent,  in  answer  to  my  circular 
and  letter,  $5,  and  no  words,  but  actions  speak 
louder  than  words.*'  He  sent  a  stamped  envelope 
by  which  I  could  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  it. 

Another,  an  Episcopalian,  sent  a  new  $5  note, 
and  I  would  not  have  known  where  it  came  from, 
except  he  wrapped  the  note  up  in  a  blank  half  sheet 
of  paper,  with  his  name  and  number  printed  on  one 
corner. 

A  noble  friend  of  mine  in  an  adjoining  state,  for- 
merly sheriff  of  his  county,  deservedly  popular,  is  Mr. 
D.  He  is  not  a  professor  of  religion.  He  says,  "  I 
send  $2,  one  for  your  church  and  one  for  two  copies 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


161 


of  your  '  Tent  History.'  I  wish  I  could  make  it  two 
hundred.  Sorry  to  hear  of  your  accident,  hope  you 
will  soon  recover  and  be  able  to  go  on  with  your 
good  work.  Accept  my  little  offering  from  the 
heart  as  well  as  from  the  pocket.  I  hope  you  may 
continue  on  in  the  good  work  for  many  years  with 
health  and  vigor.  I  remain  your  friend.  Don't 
forget  me  in  your  prayers.'' 

Another  friend,  a  noble  Presbyterian,  says,  "  Hope 
you  will  have  glorious  success  in  your  Sanctuary 
Church.  Please  find  inclosed  one-tenth  of  the 
amount  required  to  paint  the  front.  Go  on  with  it, 
dear  brother,  and  the  Lord  will  provide  the  means 
to  pay  for  it.  Glad  your  mishap  is  not  so  serious 
as  it  might  have  been,  and  that  by  the  help  of  the 
Lord  you  will  soon  be  able  to  be  out  again.  Trust- 
ing your  Thanksgiving  day  may  be  all  you  can  de- 
sire, I  am  as  ever,  yours  in  the  bonds  of  Christian 
fellowship." 

Another  friend  says,  "  Brother  Manship,  I  will 
take  two  shares.  ($1  each),  one  for  myself  and  one 
for  my  wife." 

A  precious  young  lady  says,  "  Brother  Manship, 
mother  sends  you  a  dollar.  We  do  hope  you  may 
have  good  success  with  the  church,  and  that  you 
may  be  instrumental  in  the  conversion  of  many 
souls.  How  often  we  think  of  the  happy  meetings 
we  used  to  have  when  you  were  pastor.  How  we 
sympathized  with  you  and  Mrs.  M.  when  dear 
Estelle  was  burned.  But  we  will  all  meet  in 
Heaven." 

Says  a  noble  friend  from  Lancaster  city,  Mr.  H. 
11 


162 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


S.,  "  Dear  Brother  Manship,  I  received  yours  of 
November  30th,  and  was  very  glad  to  hear  from 
you ;  but  truly  sorry  to  hear  of  your  accident  of 
the  20th  November.  Please  find  two  dollars ;  I 
want  you  to  send  me  one  of  your  new  books  when 
finished,  History  of  Tents/'  and  do  with  the  bal- 
ance as  you  think  best.  How  glad  I  am  always  to 
hear  from  my  dear  old  friend,  Brother  Manship. 
What  happy  times  we  have  had  together.  1  shall 
never  forget  them.  I  did  expect  to  meet  you  at 
Conference  last  Spring,  in  Lancaster,  but  you  were 
at  work  at  Sanctuary.  Brother  R.  and  I  had  a  good 
place  for  you — one  of  the  best.  Remember  me  at 
the  throne  of  grace.  What  a  happy  time  we  will 
have  when  we  gei  up  before  the  throne ! 

A  lady  writes  me,  "  Dear  Mr.  Manship.  Yours  at 
hand,  and  I  felt  indeed  sorry  to  hear  of  your  acci- 
dent; but  trust  with  God's  blessing  you  may  be 
again  on  your  feet  much  sooner  than  you  expect. 
Inclosed  you  will  find  two  dollars  ;  wish  I  could 
spare  more.  When  your  book  is  ready  I  know 
my  busband  will  take  it.  Wishing  you  very  great 
success  in  all  your  undertakings,  I  am,"  &c. 

Another  "elect  lady''  answers  by  sending  her 
check  for  the  largest  amount  yet  received.  "  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest ;  on  earth  peace  and  good  will 
to  man  !" 

Rev.  Matthew  Simpson,  the  senior  Bishop  of  the  M-. 
E.  Church  and  our  resident  Bishop,  returning  from 
Bishop  Scott's  funeral  in  July  1882,  said  to  me,  "  I 
have  felt  much  interest  in  Sanctuary;  I  have  done 
what  I  could  every  way  to  encourage  the  church ;  I  am 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


163 


frank  to  confess  I  have  become  greatly  discouraged. 
If  you  can  help  to  revive  the  place  I  shall  be  very 
glad.''  Although  the  Bishop  has  had  just  cause  to 
be  disheartened,  see  the  kindness  he  displays  in  his 
letter  to  me,  in  reply  to  one  inviting  him  to  preach 
at  the  re-opening  of  Sanctuary  : — 

Philadelphia,  December  4th  1883. 

Dear  Brother  : 

Yours  of  28th  was  received.  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  give  you  either  the  fourth  or  fifth  Sabbath 
in  December,  as  I  shall  be  absent  from  the  city  visiting  Illinois, 
lovv^a  and  Colorado.  I  may  not  be  back  for  several  weeks  after 
that  time.  I  am  obliged  to  leave  the  city  to-morrow  morning, 
and  fear  I  shall  not  be  able  to  call ;  if  at  the  last  of  the  week  I 
have  time,  I  will.  If  I  should  not,  please  send  me  a  copy  of  your 
"  Gospel  Tents''  when  you  publish,  and  I  will  remit  price. 

Ycurs  truly, 

M.  Simpson. 

I  wish  we  could  have  secured  Bishop  Simpson.  I 
know  it  would  have  given  him  pleasure  to  have 
complied  with  our  united  request.  I  wish  this  ven- 
erable eloquent  man  could  be  spared  to  the  church 
for  a  generation.  I,  as  a  visitor,  was  at  the  General 
Conference  in  1852  when  he  was  elected.  I  heard 
him  before  he  was  chosen  Bishop,  make  a  speech,  and 
he  pleasantly  quoted  Paul's  words .  "  I  would  to  God 
that  not  only  thou,  but  also  all  that  hear  me  this 
day,  were  both  almost  and  altogether  such  as  I 
am,  except  these  bonds.^'  I  do  not  remember  any- 
thing about  the  drift  of  the  speech  but  this;  the 
General  Conference  was  held  in  a  pew  church,  and 
the  last  clause,  "except  these  bonds/'  in  a  most 
happy  manner  this  grand  model  Gospel  minister 


164 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


applied  the  clause  to  the  pew  system,  "  Except  these 
bonds/'  pointing  to  the  pews.  When  this  burning 
and  shining  light  goes  out  in  death  it  may  well  be 
said,  "  Know  ye  not  that  there  is  a  prince  and  a 
great  man  fallen  this  day  in  Israel  P' 

I  wrote,  finding  I  could  not  obtain  the  services  of 
Rev.  Bishop  Simpson,  to  Rev.  Bishop  Warren,  and 
he  writes  me  as  follows,  so  promptly  and  so  kindly: 

Atlanta,  Ga.,  December  10th  1883. 
Dear  Brother  Manship  : 
Most  gladly  would  I  come  to  open  old  Sanctuary,  a  real  sanc- 
tuary for  the  poor,  but  I  sail  for  Mexico  on  that  day. 

Yours  truly, 

H.  W.  Warren. 

It  falls  to  the  lot  of  but  few  men  to  have  been 
more  intimate  with  some  of  our  former  bishops  than 
myself,  whose  letters  and  biographical  sketches  I 
hope  to  incorporate  in  my  anticipated  "  Forty  Years 
in  the  Wilderness."  For  indirectly  vindicating  a 
noble  bishop  in  his  administration;  on  a  certain  oc- 
casion in  the  Philadelphia  Conference,  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  ago,  who  was  attacked  in  a 
newspaper  as  I  thought  very  unjustly,  I  was  told  it 
would  not  be  well  for  me  personally  to  take  the 
stand  I  did — I  would  suffer  by  so  doing.  That  pro- 
phecy has  been  fulfilled.  The  great  Henry  Clay 
said :  "  Better  to  be  right  than  to  be  President."  I 
did  my  duty  and  the  body  carried  the  point,  for 
which  I  have  had  to  suffer  not  a  little.  But 
this  venerable  Bishop  thanked  me  (for  he  was  pre- 
siding), and  kindly  said  to  me,  privately,  "  Brother 
Manship,  you  did  right."    I  said,  "  But,  Bishop,  I 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


165 


shall  have  to  pay  dear  for  the  whistle."  Many  a 
time  has  this  eminent  minister  shown  great  kind- 
ness to  me.  When  I  had  an  opportunity  to  vindicate 
him,  and  a  principle  too,  was  the  doing  of  it  worthy 
of  death  or  even  bonds?  If  this  has  put  me  to 
death,  and  if  I  have  virtually  been  buried,  it  seems 
no  doubt  apparent  to  my  readers  I  ought  to  have  a 
resurrection.  "  Brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word 
of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course  and  be  glorified 

Bishop  Heber,  the  author  of  our  greatest  missionary 
hymn, "  From  Greenland's  Icy  Mountains,"  &c.,  says : 
"We  deny  our  Lord  whenever,  like  Demas,  we, 
through  love  of  this  present  world,  forsake  the  course 
of  duty  which  Christ  has  plainly  pointed  out  to  us. 
We  deny  our  Lord  whenever  we  lend  the  sanction 
of  our  countenance,  our  praise,  or  even  our  silence, 
to  measures  or  opinions  which  may  be  popular  and 
fashionable,  but  which  we  ourselves  believe  to  be 
sinful  in  themselves  or  tending  to  sin.  We  deny 
our  Lord  whenever  we  forsake  a  good  man  in  afflic- 
tion, and  refuse  to  give  countenance,  encouragement 
and  support  to  those  who  for  God's  sake  and  for 
the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty,  are  exposed  to 
persecutions  and  slander." 

What  a  noble  band  of  men  in  this  high  position 
we  have  always  had,  and  now  have,  and  I  trust  the 
future  may  be  just  as  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  our 
chief  ministers.  We  do  not  lay  any  special  claim  to 
"apostolic  succession,"  and  yet  in  this  highest  grade 
of  ministerial  office,  the  chosen  men  from  the  be- 
ginning, almost  one  hundred  years  ago,  since  the 
Christmas  Conference  of  1784,  when  the  great  Asbury 


106 


A  BKTEF  HISTORY 


was  made  bishop.  He  and  his  successors  have  had 
the  apostolic  faith,  sound  in  doctrine,  apostolic 
purity,  "Holiness  to  the  Lord,"  their  motto,  apos- 
tolic fervor  and  apostolic  success.  They  have  been 
good  men,  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
much  people  have  been  added  unto  the  Lord." 

As  already  indicated,  in  the  preceding  pages,  I 
toot  a  location  in  1879,  which,  at  the  time,  seemed 
to  me  to  be  the  "  more  excellent  w  ay."  I  could  not, 
with  the  most  buoyant  health,  ask  for  a  supernu- 
merary relation  any  longer,  and  I  plainly  saw  that 
there  were  two  formidable  obstructions  to  my  being 
placed  on  the  effective  list.  1st.  Growing  out  of  the 
circumstances  referred  to  in  the  preceding  pages. 
Should  I  have  been  made  effective,  it  would  have 
been  with  some  considerable  friction  ;  some  would 
have,  at  that  time,  felt  like  opposing  it,  no  doubt 
sincerely,  not  understanding  the  case,  which  would 
have  been  grievous  to  me,  and  would  have  been 
injurious,  perhaps.  I  have  no  doubt  the  request 
would  have  been  granted.  2d.  Had  I  been  made 
effective,  I  well  knew,  from  my  long  residence 
and  labors,  with  all  my  lights  and  shadows,  I  would 
have  been  compelled,  on  our  itinerating  rotation 
principle  (of  which  I  am  a  decided  advocate),  to  go 
out  of  Philadelphia,  which  was  not  practicable  at 
that  time.  Circumstances  alter  cases.''  My  child- 
ren, who  were  young  and  promising,  had  to  be  edu- 
cated. I  could  not  afford  to  send  them  to  our 
boarding  schools — but  the  public  schools  of  Phila- 
delphia loomed  up  before  me.  Thank  God  and  the 
state  of  Pennsylvania,  and  especially  the  city  of 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


1C7 


Philadelphia,  for  such  an  arrangement.  This  is  one 
of  the  main  bulwarks  of  our  country,  and  tends  next 
to  the  Gospel  to  the  elevation  of  society  and  the 
permanency  and  stability  of  our  glorious  Republic. 
I  felt  my  children  had  a  right,  at  least,  to  an  educa- 
tion, if  nothing  else!  Here  I  took  my  stand.  In  ad- 
dition to  this,  I  felt,  here  I  have  some  influence  over 
society,  perhaps  much  more  out  of  the  church  than 
in  it,  and  perhaps  more  than  many  would  suppose. 
This,  I  reasoned,  must  redound  to  my  personal  ad- 
vantage. And  if  I  could  say  for  the  sake  of  the 
glorious  peculiarities  of  Methodism,  ^' Lord,  I  have 
forsaken  all !"  Yes,  more  than  all.  I  speak  thought- 
fully, would  God  require  these  also?  Finally,  I 
said  to  myself,  God  has  given  me  a  power  and 
influence  over  many  of  the  people  of  Philadelphia 
to  do  a  little  good,  so  that  as  an  instrument  in  His 
hands  I  could  draw  people  to  the  cross,  as  I  could 
not  do  travelling  any  circuit  or  station  that  might 
be  assigned  to  me.  Come  now  and  let  us  reason 
together 

I  am  impressed  that  I  have  not  deservedly  lost 
caste  because  I  asked  for  and  obtained  a  location. 
Many,  "  the  latchet  of  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
to  stoop  down  and  unloose,"  have  located:  Rev. 
Abel  Stevens,  the  great  Methodist  historian ;  Rev. 
William  Taylor,  the  greatest  missionary  in  the 
w^orld  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Newman,  who  was  chaplain  to 
Congress  and  pastor  of  Metropolitan  M.  E.  Church, 
and  hosts  of  men  "  of  whom  the  world  was  not 
worthy,"  have  located  or  retired  from  the  Itinerancy 
to  promote  some  noble  special  ends,  and  their 


16b 


A  BRIEF  HISTOKY 


usefulness  has  not  been  diminished.  I  well  know 
my  location  has  been  commented  upon  very  freely, 
and  sometimes  rather  invidiously,  by  persons  who 
did  know  only  in  part. 

Ever  since  1879,  when  I  located,  doors  have 
opened,  sometimes  in  prominent  places,  but  mostly 
not  so  prominent  in  the  estimation  of  the  world. 
Thanks  be  to  God  that  for  three  years  I  had  a  range 
where  good  was  done  on  a  broad  scale  I  could  not 
have  had  in  the  regular  work.  Laboring  mostly 
in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  however,  God 
opened  my  way  into  four  other  denominations;  in 
one  case  I  labored  for  a  week  in  a  Presbyterian 
Church. 

Jesus,  the  corner-stone, 

Did  first  our  hearts  unite  ; 
And  still  we  are  in  spirit  one, 

Who  walk  with  him  in  white." 

For  nearly  two  years  I  have  been  in  Sanctu- 
ary M.  E.  Church,  where  I  certainly  should  not 
have  been  had  I  been  in  the  regular  work.  And 
now  we  can  feel  and  say  most  hopefully,  "  Victory 
is  nigh!'^  And  the  grand  results  in  the  Gospel 
Tent  would  not  have  been  felt  and  seen  in  the 
regular  way.  It  is  clear  to  my  mind  that  it  some- 
times happens  that  to  have  such  a  blessed  judicious 
regulation  is  "  a  means  of  grace.'' 

In  1879,  the  year  I  located,  what  would  have 
become  of  the  Western  M.  E.  Church,  if  such  a 
regulation  had  not  existed?  By  many  it  was  sup- 
posed Western  M.  E.  Church,  Philadelphia,  was  a 


OP  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


169 


failure,  and  there  seemed  to  be  no  one  in  the  Con- 
ference of  the  proper  make-up  to  say,  Here  I  am, 
send  me !"  It  was  left  to  be  supplied ;  our  brother, 
Rev.  Thomas  Kelley,  a  located  preacher  from 
another  Conference,  was  providentially  raised  up ; 
he  was  fixed  upon  and  appointed.  God  made  him 
*^a  savor  of  life  unto  life,  and  not  of  death  unto 
death  !"  God  bless  the  local  preachers — they  planted 
our  glorious  church  in  this  country.  And  God  still 
has  for  them  a  momentous  work  to  do.  They 
preach  the  same  grand  doctrines,  hold  the  same 
parchments  and  perform  the  same  functions  and 
duties.  Noble  band  of  men — I  am  glad  we  have 
such  an  institution.  It  shows  the  great  wisdom  of 
our  fathers,  who  organized  our  aggressive,  onward, 
moving  church,  that  now  deservedly  commands 
the  respect  of  the  Christian  world. 

Although  located,  "  toiling  up  the  way,"  trying 
to  say,  "  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory  save  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  feeling  that  "  it  is 
good  that  a   man  should  both  hope  and  wait," 

**  Our  doubts  are  traitors,  and  make  us  lose, 

The  good  we  oft  might  win  by  fearing  to  attempt." 

The  following  papers  which  speak  for  themselves 
relate  to  the  epoch  in  my  history  from  1879  to  the 
present  time,  and  will  not  I  hope  be  deemed 
inappropriate  by  iny  readers  : 

A  prominent  lady  engaged  in  a  great  Home  Mis- 
sionary work,  who  has  a  large  Sunday  School,  and 
is  on  the  eve  of  establishing  a  mission  church  on  a 
noble  plan,  writes  me^  under  date  of  Nov.  25th  1883 . 


170 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


I.  IMPORTAXT  LETTER  FROM  A  MISSIONARY  LADY. 

I  must  not  close  this  letter  to  you  without  a 

few  words  on  .  We  are  trying  hard  to  secure 

a  lot ;  the  way  is  growing  more  clear.  A  gentle- 
man called  last  week  and  asked  me  if  I  still 
thought  of  having  Mr.  Manship  as  pastor  or  mis- 
sionary for  this  place  ?  I  said  yes.  That  is  if  I  can 
get  him.    He  then  said,  '  I  think  I  can  guarantee  a 

salary  of  for  the  first  year  if  that  w^ould  do.' 

Just  see  how  the  Lord  works  for  his  own  name's 
sake.    '  Praise  his  name !'    The  way  is  preparing 

I  think,  for  a  grand,  glorious  work  out  in  , 

and  the  time  is  speedily  coming  when  the  poor  in 
that  district  shall  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them. 
May  the  Lord  hasten  that  happy  time." 

II.  ACTIOX  OF  20th  St.  QUARTERLY  MEETING  CONFERENCE. 

TVhei^eaSy  Rev.  A.  Manship,  the  first  regular  pas- 
tor of  Twentieth  Street  M.  E.  Church,  Philadelphia, 
having,  five  j^ears  ago,  asked  for  a  location,  and 
connecting  himself  w^ith  this  quarterly  conference, 
as  local  elder,  during  three  years  of  which  time 
he  having  performed  most  successfully,  evangelistic 
work,  followed  by  hundreds  of  conversions:  And 

Whereas,  For  the  past  two  years  he  has  labored  most 
ardently,  and  with  unusual  success  in  aiming  to  build 
up  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church,  Philadelphia,  Therefore 

Resolved,  1st,  That  this  Quarterly  Conference  ex- 
presses its  sympathy  with  Brother  Manship's  work, 
and  commend  him  to  Christian  confidence. 

Resolved,  2d.  That  this  Quarterly  Conference  recom- 
mend Rev.  A.  Manship  for  re-admission  into  the 
travelling  connection,  provided  he  should  ask  for  it. 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


171 


Done  at  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Twentieth 
street  charge,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  December  4th 
1883.  Joseph  Welch,  P.  E., 

W.  H.  Clymer,  Sec'ry. 

in.  ACTION  OF  SANCTUARY  M.  E.  CHURCH. 

Whereas,  Nearly  two  years  ago,  when  the  future 
of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  looked  gloomy,  conference 
had  passed  and  made  no  provision  for  our  spiritual 
wants,  we  called  Rev.  A.  Manship  from  his  evangel- 
istic work  to  our  assistance,  which  he  accepted, 
though  his  financial  prospects  were  very  meagre. 

Whereas,  after  one  year's  earnest  labor  the  church 
being  again  left  without  a  supply,  recognising  the 
good  that  Rev,  A.  Manship  had  accomplished,  we 
again  requested  him  to  fill  our  vacant  pulpit,  which 
he  again  accepted.* 

Whereas,  Rev.  A.  Manship  has  earnestly  and  faith- 
fully performed  his  duty  and  has  and  is  doing  his 
utmost  in  reviving  and  aiding  us  in  all  i;espects 
our  intercourse  together  having  been  of  a  very  pleas- 
ant nature,    Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  board  of  trustees  of  Sanctuary 
M.  E.  Church,  that  we  will  ever  remember  with  grat- 
itude his  great  efforts  to  revive  and  build  up  our 
church. 

Resolved,  That  we  can  heartily  recommend  him  as 
an  earnest,  successful  worker  in  the  Master's  cause. 

Resolved,  That  we  commend  the  productions  of  his 
pen  as  publications  of  great  profit  and  worthy  to  be 
read  by  every  one. 


*  In  both  cases  with  the  approval  of  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district,  Kev.  Jacob 
Hiuson. 


172 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Resolved^  That  should  he  desire  to  resume  effective 
service  in  the  regular  conference  way  that  he  richly 
merits  all  the  benefits  of  the  same  by  his  long, 
faithful  and  useful  labors,  and  we  recommend  his 
return  to  conference,  and  earnestly  pray  the  Lord 
will  give  him  success  in  the  future,  as  in  the  past. 

Resolved,  The  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions 
be  entered  upon  the  journal  of  this  board,  and  a 
copy  be  duly  signed  by  the  officers  of  the  board  and 
furnished  to  Rev.  A.  Manship  for  publication. 

Done  at  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  at  a  special 
meeting  of  the  board,  Dec.  16th  1883. 

Edw.  Cline,  President. 

S.  M.  Beidler,  Sec. 

Lemuel  A.  Shaw,  Treas. 

Should  not  an  effectual  door  be  opened  for  all 
earnest  workers  ?  "  The  harvest  is  plenteous  and  the 
laborers  are  few."  "What  e'er  obstructs  obstructs  in 
vain." 

Ministers  and  the  laiety  will  duly  sympathize, 
and  from  the  deepest  recesses  of  their  hearts  say, 
in  the  language  of  the  poet, 

It  is  not  well, 

Here  in  this  land  of  Christian  liberty, 
That  honest  worth  or  hopeless  want  should  dwell, 

Unaided  by  our  care  and  sympathy." 

Circumstances  led  us  necessarily,  when  our  pre- 
cious daughter,  Estelle,  met  with  her  tragical  death, 
on  the  10th  of  April  last,  to  look  out  for  a  Machpe- 
lah.  I  shall  ever  cling  to  Mt.  Moriah,  remembering 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


173 


the  nobility  and  great  kindness  of  the  late  Senator 
Connell  to  me  and  my  deceased  brother  and  friend, 
Rev.  N.  Heston,  in  his  sending  us  in  1859,  to 
select  such  lots  as  we  desired.  He  presented  them 
to  us. 

I  was  one  of  the  bearers  that  tenderly  lowered 
him  (Rev.  N.  Heston)  into  the  grave  some  years 
afterwards  that  he  and  I  together  selected  in  1859. 
He  was  a  noble  and  successful  worker  for  Christ. 

I  felt  like  ever  honoring  Mr.  Connell  after  that 
act.  He  has  gone,  and  I  trust  it  can  truthfully  be 
said, 

Now  he  sits  in  yonder  hall,  the  senate  of  the  skies." 

I  found  the  son  of  my  friend  (the  late  Senator 
Connell)  was  the  leading  man  at  Mount  Moriah,  and 
had  taken  the  place  of  his  father.  At  the  time,  he 
also  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, I  did  not  know  him;  I  wrote  to  my  kind  young 
friend,  Senator  Gordon,  to  have  an  interview  with 
Mr.  Connell  for  me,  in  reference  to  the  purchase  of 
a  larger  lot,  near  the  entrance  in  the  dear  old  honored 
spot  ever  sacred  to  me,  as  reasonably  as  possible.  I 
never  dreamed  of  such  a  result  as  followed,  and  as 
the  letters  I  received  from  Mr.  Connell  are  an  honor 
both  to  his  head  and  heart  I  take  the  liberty  of  insert- 
ing them  in  this  "  Tent  History  and  Experience." 

IIarrisburg,  April  27th  1883. 
Ret.  Andrew  Manship. — Dear  Sir:  Senator  James  Gay  Gor- 
don has  spoken  to  me  in  regard  to  your  desire  to  procure  a  burial 
lot  in  the  old  ground  in  Mount  Moriah  Cemetery,  and  I  desire  to 
inform  you  that  if  you  will  visit  the  cemetery,  at  your  own  conve- 


174 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


nience,  my  brother  George  (the  superintendent)  will  aid  you  in 
the  selection  thereof,  and  I  will  take  pleasure  in  making  the  price 
thereof  consistent  with  that  friendship  which  my  late  father  has 
frequently  expressed  for  you. 

Very  respectfully,  &c.,  &c.^ 

H.  P.  CONNELL. 

Harrisburg,  May  10th  1883. 
Rev.  Andrew  Manship. — Dear  Sir  :  Since  I  received  your 
last  note,  I  have  obtained  the  consent  of  Mr.  E.  Mercer  Shreve, 
of  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Connell,  ''who  with  my- 
self are  the  proprietaries  of  that  part  of  the  cemetery  in  which 
you  have  selected  the  lot,"  to  present  the  same  to  you  without 
cost,  except  the  sum  of  ten  per  cent,  of  its  value,  which  amount 
belongs  to  the  cemetery  association,  and  goes  into  a  fund  for  the 
perpetual  maintenance  of  the  grounds  in  good  order,  when  the 
time  comes  that  the  other  revenues  of  the  association  are  insuffi- 
cient for  that  purpose,  and  over  which  the  proprietaries  have  no 
control. 

With  great  respect 

I  am  truly  yours,  &c., 

H.  P.  CONNELL. 

My  readers  will  see  by  reading  the  23d  chapter 
of  Genesis,  that  niy  honorable  friend  dealt  with  me 
like  Ephron  the  Hittite  did  with  Abraham.  The 
patriarch  expected  to  purchase  it  "  for  as  much 
money  as  it  was  worth,"  but  it  was  said  to  him» 
*^  Nay,  my  lord,  hear  me ;  the  field  give  I  thee,  and 
the  cave  that  is  therein  I  give  it  thee  ;  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  sons  of  my  people,  give  I  it  thee ;  bury 
thy  dead.''  My  heart  is  full  of  sympathy  and  over- 
flows with  gratitude  to  the  donors. 

How  soon  is  the  splendid  lot  occupied  not  only 
by  Estelle  but  also  by  the  youngest  child  of  the  recipi- 
ent of  this  magnificent  gift.    Little  did  I  think 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


175 


when  I  went  on  the  morning  of  Sabbath  December 
9th  1883,  the  first  time  of  my  being  out  since  the 
spraining  of  my  ankle,  on  the  20th  of  November, 
that  I  would  find  (on  being  brought  home  in  the 
carriage  of  my  friend  Jos.  B.  Moore,  Esq.,  true  to 
me  as  the  needle  to  the  pole),  my  beloved  little  boy, 
so  ill.  He  grew  worse  all  the  time  until  noon 
on  Tuesday,  December  11th  1883.  Kneeling  by  his 
side  I  closed  his  eyes  in  death.  A  mother's  love 
and  Dr.  J.  P.  Reynolds's  greatest  professional  care 
from  the  time  he  was  taken,  till  death,  and  every 
other  proper  attention,  could  not  stay  the  progress 
of  the  disease,  or  defy  the  darts  of  death.  How 
soon  this  fragrant  flower  fades. 

This  little  boy  was  a  great  joy  and  comfort  to  his 
parents.  He  went  with  me  frequently  on  my  pas- 
toral visits ;  to  baptisms;  to  funerals  ;  to  the  church, 
and  his  little  soul  was  in  an  ecstacy  over  the  Tent  at 
Broad  and  Spring  Garden  streets,  especially  with 
the  noon-time  meetings  for  the  workingmen.  He 
was  with  me  nearly  all  the  thirty-six  days  I  held 
meetings  for  them.  How  he  would  sing,  and  repeat 
the  Lord's  prayer,  and  go  around  amongst  the  men 
with  tracts ;  and  from  his  little  hands  the  working- 
men  received  them  with  great  pleasure. 

Those  industrious  sons  of  toil  can  never  forget  as 
they  filed  into  the  Great  Tent,  and  would  seat  them- 
selves near  the  door,  a  little  timid,  how  that  little 
child  would  so  kindly  beckon  with  his  right  arm 
and  sign  to  them  to  come  up  higher  and  be  more 
together.  Little  then  did  he  or  any  of  us  suppose 
before  Christmas  he  would  be — 


176 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


•*  An  angel  and  before  the  Saviour  stand, 
With  a  crown  upon  his  forehead 
And  a  harp  within  his  hand," 

still  beckoning  to  the  workingman,  his  parents  and 
friends  to  "  come  up  higher."  One  of  the  points  I 
make  on  the  text  as  preached  to  the  workingmen, 
this  little  boy  by  my  side,  "  A  little  child  shall  lead 
them,"  was,  that  when  a  child  failed  in  every  other 
w^ay,  their  severance  from  their  parents  effected  the 
work,  and  we  lovingly  say,  in  relation  to  our  as- 
cended children,  they  cannot  come  to  us  but  we 
can  go  to  them."  May  little  Earle  St.  Clair  and 
others,  thus  lead  many  to  Christ  and  to  heaven. 

*  And  angels  beckon  me  away, 
And  Jesns  bids  me  come." 

One  of  the  most  delightful  reminiscences  of  this 
little  boy  is  in  the  presence  of  his  mother,  he  with 
quite  a  number  of  little  children,  at  Sanctuary, 
some  several  months  ago,  came  at  my  invitation 
and  stood  around  the  altar.  \Ve  sang  old  fashioned 
hymns.  I  tried  to  adapt  my  address  to  their  capa- 
cities and  they  seemed  to  appreciate  the  effort,  espe- 
cially when  all  the  members  came  up  at  our  request 
and  cordially  shook  hands  with  them  and  bade 
them  welcome.  I  said,  "from  the  children  the  fu- 
ture members  of  Sanctuary  and  other  churches  are 
to  come."  This  little  boy  received  the  impression 
that  day  that  he  joined  the  church,  and  ever  after  if 
anyone  would  ask  him,  "  what  church  do  you  belong 
to,  Earle?"  he  would,  in  public  or  private,  tell  all 
who  asked  him,  and  say,    I  belong  to  Sanctuary." 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


177 


The  funeral  services  were  held  at  the  home  of 
his  parents,  and  were  conducted  by  Rev.  C.  F. 
Turner,  assisted  by  Rev.  Dr.  Vernon,  of  Trinity  M. 
E.  Church,  and  Rev.  S.  N.  Chew,  of  Twentieth  Street 
M.  E.  Church.  The  ministers  all  deeply  impressed 
the  family  and  audience.  Mr.  Chew  sung  all  alone 
SO  solemnly, 

One  by  one  gathering  home." 

He  also  very  touchingly  related  the  substance  of  a 
dream  this  child's  mother  had  on  Saturday  night, 
the  8th  inst.,  and  she  related  it  to  little  Earle  on 
Sabbath  morning.  She  dreamed  she  met  Estelle, 
and  they  walked  together  on  a  bright  pathway. 
Estelle  looked  up  and  saw  little  Earle  and  called 
him  to  come  to  her ;  he  came,  having  in  his  hand  a 
little  shovel  and  bucket ;  she  asked  him  what  has 
Estelle's  lovely  little  white  head  been  doing  ?"  Earle 
replied,  "  I  have  been  digging  gold."  This  put  Es- 
telle in  an  ecstacy  of  joy ;  she  jumped  and  clapped 
her  hands  with  extreme  delight.  Mr.  Chew  said, 
"  they  have  met  not  to  dig  gold,  but  to  be  forever 
with  the  Lord,  and  praise  him  day  and  night 
where  there  is  no  sickness  or  sorrow,  in  that  city 
whose  walls  are  of  jasper  and  whose  streets  are  of 
gold." 

"And  the  building  of  the  wall  of  it  was  jasper; 
and  the  city  was  pure  gold,  like  unto  clear  glass." 
Rev.  21st  chapter,  18th  verse. 

Both  together  they  sleep  in  the  new,  beautiful 
Machpelah.  They  were  strongly  attached  in  life, 
12 


178 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


and  not  widely  separated  in  death  or  in  the  city  of 
the  Great  King. 

It  may  well  be  said  they  "  were  lovely  and  pleas- 
ant in  their  lives,  and  in  death  they  were  not  di- 
vided." Only,  a  little  while.  Now  they  are  gathered 
home  never  more  to  part. 

One  by  one  we  are  gathering  home." 

Though  Earle  was  so  young  he  had  drawn  many 
to  love  him,  especially  the  workingmen  at  the 
Tent. 

The  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  friends  were  so 
kind  we  cannot  forget  them.  None  more  so  than 
Rev.  Wm.  S.  Shipley;  I  can  truly  say  of  this  brother^ 
he  is  a  faithful  steward,  and  faithful  in  all  his  bear- 
ing in  Sanctuary,  and  his  labors  have  been  owned 
and  blessed  by  God.  His  singing  has  been  u.^eful, 
and  little  Earle  used  often  say,  "  Mr.  Shipley,  you 
sing  old  fashioned  hymns;  I  like  old  fashioned 
hymns 

Kind  friends  have  sent  us  letters  and  words  of 
sympathy.    The  following  is  from  the  beloved  min- 
ister M^ho  baptized  little  Earle  in  the  spring  of  1880, 
and  was  pastor  of  my  family  at  that  time — Rev/ 
Jaoob  S.  Hughes : 

PoTTSTOwN,  Pa.,  Dec.  14th  1883. 

Dear  Brother  Manship  : 

We  are  very  sorry  to  hear  of  your  sad  bereavement  in 
the  death  of  your  dear  little  boy.  Surely  the  ways  of  God  are 
past  finding  out,  and  what  he  doeth  we  know  not  now.  In  the 
day  of  eternity,  however,  the  wisdom  and  love  of  all  his  provi- 
dences will  be  gloriously  disclosed.    I  am  glad  you  have  unfal- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


179 


tering  confidence  in  his  goodness.  Heaven,  I  am  sure,  must  be 
growing  sweeter  with  these  translations  of  your  loved  ones,  one 
after  another.  They  cannot  return  to  you,  but  you  can  go  to 
them.  Give  our  sympathies  to  Sister  M.  and  all  the  children. 
Be  assured  that  you  have  a  deep  interest  in  our  fervent  prayers. 
Yours  in  Christ, 

J.  S.  Hughes. 

No  later  than  the  2d  or  3d  of  October  1883,  Rev. 
John  A.  Roche,  D.D.,  left  our  house ;  he  had  so- 
journed with  us  a  few  days,  helping  us  in  the  final 
meetings  at  the  Tent  and  at  Sanctuary.  My  bosom 
and  long-tried  friend  writes  us  so  tenderly : 

125  Willoughby  Avenue, 

Brooklyn,  Dec.  12th  1883. 

Ret.  Andrew  Manship  : 

My  Dear  Brother:  Yours  of  the  llth#has  just  reached 
me.  I  take  the  first  opportunity  to  express  to  you  and  your 
devoted  wife  my  profound  sympathy,  and  that  of  my  wife,  in  the 
bereavement  you  now  suffer  in  the  death  of  that  bright  child 
who  was  to  you  such  a  joy  and  hope.  It  is  one  of  the  mysteries 
of  God.  When  I  was  with  you  he  was  so  full  of  life.  He  was  to 
you  such  delight.  God  has  taken  him.  He  had  something  better 
for  him  where  he  now  is.    Then  with  a  bleeding  heart  say — 

**  Go  to  thy  rest,  fair  child, 
Go  to  thy  dreamless  bed  ; 
Grentle  and  meek  and  mild, 

With  blessings  on  thy  head  I  ■ 

**  Fresh  roses  in  thy  hand, 

Friends  on  thy  pillow  laid  ; 
Haste  from  this  blighting  land, 
Where  flowers  so  quickly  fade.'* 


Please  accept  the  condolence  of  myself  and  wife,  and  present 


180 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


the  same  to  your  dear  companion.  With  kindest  remembrance 
and  sincerest  prayers,  I  am,  dear  brother, 

Yours  in  Christ, 

J.  A.  Roche. 

The  following  brief  letter  is  from  a  great  friend 
of  our  Tent  work,  whose  sympathies  have  been  with 
us  in  life  as  well  as  in  death. 

Philadelphia,  Dec.  15th  1883. 
Dear  Brother  Manship:  I  was  at  your  house  yesterday  until 
the  little  casket  was  taken  away,  and  felt  as  only  a  father  can  feel 
who  has  passed  through  the  same  dark  waters  of  affliction.  May 
the  Lord  comfort  you,  your  wife  and  family.  I  will  write  to  you 
or  see  you  .shortly. 

Yours  in  Christ, 

Jos.  Clough. 

Having  recently  preached  for  the  two  following 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  being  in  correspond- 
ence with  them  they  learned  of  little  Earle's  death.  I 
felt  pleased,  greatly  gratified  to  receive  from  each  of 
them  such  a  kind  letter. 

St.  Georges,  Del.,  Dec.  13th  1883. 

Dear  Bro.  Manship  :  We  were  sorry  to  learn  of  your  bereave- 
ment in  the  death  of  your  son.  We  have  remembered  you  in 
out  petitions  at  a  throne  of  Grace. 

Last  night  in  our  prayer-meeting,  many  prayers  ascended  for 
you  and  yours  in  this  sad  hour.  Yet  no  doubt  you  realize  that 
it  is  the  hand  of  a  Father.  They  that  trust  in  him  shall  never 
be  confounded,  is  the  promise.  The  Father  knows  what  is  best 
for  his  child — no  chastening  for  the  present  seemeth  to  be  joyous, 
but  grievous,  but  afterward  i^  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness  to  those  who  are  exercised  thereby.  We  trust  and 
pray  that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  in  an  especial  manner  may  be 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


181 


yours,  and  that  his  strength  may  be  given  to  you  and  yours  in 
large  measure.  In  seasons  like  this,  there  is  a  mercy  seat  where 
we  all  can  meet  by  faith  though  far  apart  in  the  flesh.  The  Lord 
and  Master  whom  yoti  have  served  so  long  will  not  leave  you  com- 
fortless in  this  trouble.  The  joy  of  the  Lord  will  now  be  your 
strength. 

Yours  in  Christ, 

F.  J.  Cochran. 

RoxBORo',  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  Dec.  13th  1883. 

Dear  Bro.  Manship  :  Your  letter  of  yesterday  was,  as  you 
may  suppose,  a  sad  surprise  to  me.  It  would  have  comforted  your 
"'heart,  however,  I  am  sure,  if  you  could  have  been  in  our  prayer- 
meeting  last  evening  and  witnessed  my  people  bowing  in  silent 
prayer  for  you  and  yours.  Although  you  did  not  see  their  tears 
of  sympathy,  our  Heavenly  Father  did,  and  recorded  them  too. 
Those  of  us  who  have  not  passed  through  such  a  trial  know  noth- 
ing of  its  anguish.  I  said,  in  speaking  of  this  sorrow  to  my  peo- 
ple last  evening,  if  it  be  true  that  "  whom  the  Lord  loveth,  he 
chasteneth,"  then  how  dearly  must  he  love  some  people,  although 
we  misunderstand  his  love  in  such  hours  as  these. 

What  a  broad  beaten  path  is  that  of  sorrow.  When  I  shall 
have  penned  these  lines  I  must  hurry  away  and  endeavor  to  com- 
fort a  family  also  burying  an  only  son,  a  bright,  beautiful  boy 
between  4  and  5  years  of  age.  Strange  to  say,  this  is  their  sec- 
ond sorrow,  and  that  within  a  few  weeks  past.  May  that 
blessed  Gospel  you  have  so  long  preached  to  others  be  your  com- 
fort now.    God  bless  you  all. 

Fraternally, 

Jos.  B.  Graff. 

The  following  chaste,  sympathetic,  friendly  Chris- 
tian letter  is  from  the  daughter  of  Rev.  H.  B.  Man- 
ger, my  classmate  in  the  conference,  whom  I  always 
''esteemed  highly  for  his  work's  sake/'  and  for 
whom  I  entertained  strong  feelings  of  love  and 
friendship.  He  recently  passed  away  very  suddenly. 


182 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


I  saw  his  funeral  notice  in  the  Ledger,  I  was  then 
suffering  in  my  room  with  a  sprained  ankle.  I  at 
once  wrote  to  Sister  Mauger,  as  I  saw  it  was  impos- 
sible to  attend  the  funeral.  That  very  day  I  received 
a  kind  invitation  from  Rev.  Samuel  W.  Gehrett  pas- 
tor of  Olney  M.  E.  Church.  Then  I  said  I  must  go, 
but  the  doctor  said  that  it  was  out  of  the  question. 

My  brethren  and  cotemporaries  in  the  ministry 
are  one  by  one  gathering  home,"  but  the  promise 
is  unto  to  us  and  to  our  children  : 

Olney,  Philadelphia,  Dec.  16,  1883. 

Dear  Brother  Manship  ;  Your  very  kind  and  sympathizing 
letter  in  reference  to  dear  papa's  sudden  death,  was  followed  so 
closely  by  the  news  of  your  little  boy's  death,  that  our  hearts  are 
full  of  sadness  in  having  so  soon  to  sympathize  with  you.  We  re- 
member you  well  as  papa's  friend,  and  mamma  sends  her  love  and 
joins  with  you  and  Mrs.  Manship  in  the  prayer  that  these  trials 
which  give  us  such  pain  and  sorrow  may  be  sanctified  to  our 
good.''  Our  loved  ones  are  only  gone  up  higher,  and  we  know 
we  will  meet  them  again. 

Your  dear  little  boy  was,  I  learn,  converted  last  summer ;  and 
though  so  young  as  to  have  little  to  repent  of,  it  is  very  beauti- 
ful to  know  that  he  had  so  clear  an  understanding,  and  was  so 
wise  in  spiritual  things.  I  know  how  you  will  miss  him,  and 
how  your  hearts  will  ache  as  you  look  for  the  bright  little  face 
in  vain  ;  but  knowing  that  the  loving  remembrance  of  friends 
is  precious,  and  comforting,  though  words  are  vain,  I  feel  like 
writing,  hoping  I  may  not  have  added  to  your  grief.  In 
mamma's  name  I  express  our  heartfelt  sympathy  to  your  family 
and  self.  Your  truly, 

E.  Ella  Mauger. 

I  am  happy  to  know  that  we  have  sympathizing 
friends  amongst  all  classes,  and  many  a  noble  heart 
has  pitied  us  who  has  not  expressed  that  pity  in 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


183 


words.  The  following  is  from  the  pastor  of  Rev. 
H.  B.  Mauger's  family  : 

Olney,  City,  Dec.  18,  1883. 
Dear  Bro.  :  I  tender  my  heartfelt  sympathy  to  you  and  yours 
in  your  recent  bereavement.    May  the  God  of  all  grace  greatly 
comfort,  bless  and  sustain  you. 

Fraternally, 

S.  W.  Gehrett. 

The  following  tribute  of  respect  is  from  an  Epis- 
copalian lady  who  met  little  Earle  in  the  great 
Tent: 

IN  MEMORIAM  : 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF  LITTLE  EARLE  ST.  CLAIR. 

This  lovely  plant  so  young  and  rare, 

Its  fragrance  sweet  perfumed  the  air  ; 

The  heavenly  gard'ner  came,  with  tender  care, 

Into  his  pasture,  green  and  fair, 

This  tender  plant  transplanted  there.  • 

With  sincere  condolence  for  the  bereaved  parents, 

E.  E.  K. 

This  Christian  lady,  Mrs.  E.  E.  K.,  further  says : 

During  the  services  held  at  the  Tent  on  Broad  and  Spring 
Garden  Streets,  one  Sabbath  afternoon,  as  I  entered  the  place,  I 
was  deeply  impressed  as  I  looked  upon  the  face  of  this  lovely 
child  seated  beside  his  father  in  the  pulpit,  among  many  clergy" 
men  present,  singing  the  beautiful  hymn,  '  Nearer  my  God  to 
thee.'  I  could  distinguish  his  childlike  voice  above  the  rest.  As 
I  listened  I  vras  inspired,  as  it  were,  with  the  blending  of  angel 
voices.  Li,  appeared  to  my  mind,  at  that  moment,  that  angels 
had  come  to  bring  a  message  of  love.  In  the  mission  of  this 
beautiful  child,  so  brief  and  yet  so  glorious,  so  full  of  promise  in 
the  life  beyond,  his  light  went  out,  reflecting  its  radiance  like 
the  summer's  setting  sun," 


184 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Rev.  Bishop  Campbell,  of  the  African  M.  E. 
Church,  is  an  old  friend  of  mine.  In  the  great  Tent 
meeting  at  Broad  and  Spring  Garden,  he  preached 
most  powerfully  on,  "  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  if 
he  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul 
In  1864,  I  was  pastor  of  Hedding  M.  E.  Church, 
16th  below  Fairmount  Avenue,  and  Bishop  Camp- 
bell preached  gloriously ;  it  was  my  second  adminis- 
tration ;  I  was  there  from  1853  to  1856,  during  which 
time  the  church  was  built ;  again  from  1863  to  1866. 

It  was  at  the  General  Conference  of  the  African 
M.  E.  Church,  held  in  Bethel,  Philadelphia,  in  1864, 
at  which  time  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  held 
also  their  General  Conference  in  Union  M.  E.  Church, 
Phila.  I  suppose  more  than  one  hundred  delegates 
from  the  M.  E.  General  Conference  came  to  Hedding 
to  hear  the  colored  Bishop,  who  was  just  elected. 
Nobly  did  he  proclaim  the  acceptable  day  of  the 
Lord.  I  wrote  to  him,  having  "  tried  him  and  proved 
him"  to  preach  one  of  the  sermons  in  Sanctuary  on 
the  day  of  our  contemplated  re-opening  of  Sanc- 
tuary M.  E.  Church,  Jan.  6th  1884.  I  also  spoke 
in  my  letter  of  the  afflictions  we  had  been  called  upon 
to  pass  through.  I  also  sent  him  The  Pioneer,  a 
delightful  moi^thly  published  by  Rev.  F.  E.  Marine, 
in  Baltimore.  It  contained  an  article  I  wrote  on 
"  Home  missionary  work and  I  congratulated  the 
Bishop  in  my  letter  and  his  vigorous  influential  Afri- 
can M.  E.  Church  in  procuring  the  church  property  at 
16th  and  Fairmount  Avenne,  which  I  labored  so 
hard  to  build  up  in  every  way.  Our  white  friends 
are  building  a  more  costly  church  in  the  same  neigh- 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


185 


borhood^  hence  they  have  sold  Hedding  to  our  col- 
ored brethren,  and  I  have  no  doubt  it  will  ever  be 
"the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of  Heaven."  I 
recently  bought  and  have  read  the  life  of  Rev.  Rich- 
ard Allen,  the  founder  and  first  Bishop  of  the  Afri- 
can M.  E.  Church.  He  did  right  in  organizing  that 
church,  over  fifty  years  ago.  Still  we  are  one  in 
Christ.  And  I  can  most  devoutly  pray  and  say  in 
behalf  of  that  Hedding  M.  E.  Church,  that  is  da- 
guerreotyped  on  my  heart,  "  For  this  cause  I  bow 
my  knee  unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
named,  that  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might 
by  the  spirit  in  the  inner  man ;  that  Christ  maj'' 
dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith ;  that  ye,  being  rooted 
and  grounded  in  love,  may  be  able  to  comprehend 
with  all  saints  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and 
depth,  and  height ;  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ, 
which  passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled 
with  all  the  fulness  of  God." 

The  day  the  great  battle  of  Gettysburg  was 
fought,  in  1863,  I  was  in  my  second  administration, 
re-opening  with  Rev.  Wm.  M.  D.  Ryan,  then  of 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  my  true  friend,  Governor 
Wm.  Cannon,  of  Delaware.  At  that  time,  and  in  the 
audience  on  Sabbath  night,  General  Meade's  sister 
was  present,  solicitious  for  her  brother,  the  lead- 
ing spirit  of  Gettysburg,  and  it  was  a  critical 
period;  but  our  army  prevailed;  our  sacramental 
army  also  prevailed,  and  no  one  will  be  surprised 
that  knows  my   connections  with   the  church, 


186 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


that  I  am  glad  that  "our  God  is  marching  on." 
And,  as  in  the  army,  the  colored  regiments  were 
important,  so  this  conquering  legion  must  triumph, 
and  glorious  old  Hedding,  the  spiritual  birthplace 
of  hundreds,  perhaps  thousands — amongst  the  num- 
ber many  who  have  been  called  into  the  ministry, 
and  not  a  few  have  gone  in  blood-bought  triumph 
to  join  the  millions  that  have  reached  the  ever 
blessed  abode,  will  ever  live  in  the  memory  of 
teeming  hundreds  on  earth,  and  in  heaven.  Glory 
to  God,  that  church  has  a  soul-saving  history 
and  she  will "  stand  as  she  ever  hath  stood,"  a  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  in  which  "  the  poor  have 
the  Gospel  preached  unto  them."  Here  may  God's 
people  enjoy  the  greatest  freedom.  "  Let  thy  priests 
be  clothed  with  righteousness,  and  thy  saints  shout 
for  joy."  As  they  "  cry  out,  and  shout,"  may  it  be  a 
means  of  saving  some  who  may,  at  least, "  open  their 
windows  towards  Jerusalem,"  and  join  in  the  song, 

He  hath  sounded  forth  the  trumpet  that  shall  never  call  retreat, 
He  is  sifting  out  the  hearts  of  men  before  his  judgment  seat, 
O  be  swift  my  soul  to  answer  him,  be  jubilant  my  feet, 
Our  God  is  marching  on. ' ' 

Chorus. — Glory,  glory  hallelujah  I 

Perhaps  nothing  binds  my  heart  so  closely  to  that 
church  as  the  fact  that  in  1859  a  precious  compan- 
ion was  buried  from  there.  Funeral  services  con- 
ducted by  Bishop  Scott,  and  others.  And  in  April 
1883,  our  dear  Estelle's  funeral  obsequies  were  there 
conducted.  Perhaps  that  church  was  never  so 
crowded.    Rev.  Curtis  F.  Turner,  on  that  occal^Ioji 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


187 


said,  "  Just  here  where  Estelle  sleeps  in  her  casket 
in  this  chancel  Bishop  Scott  took  her  in  his  arms, 
when  a  babe,  and  dedicated  her  to  the  Lord  in  bap- 
tism and  said,  God  bless  the  child." 

My  readers  will  be  pleased  to  read  Bishop  Camp- 
bell's letter  of  the  18th  Dec.  1883. 

Philadelphia,  December  18th,  1883. 

Rev.  a.  Manship  :  ' 

Dear  Sir  :  Your  kind  favor  and  most  interesting  commu- 
nication of  the  15th  inst.,  came  to  hand  by  due  course  of  mail 
yesterday.  Our  hearts  were  very  much  moved  with  deep,  deep 
sympathy  when  we  read  the  plain,  simple  story  of  your  afflic- 
tions, the  loss  of  a  daughter  in  April  last,  by  burning  to  death, 
and  a  precious  child  so  recently,  with  other  family  afflictions 
added  to  your  own  personal  affliction.  But  we  have  relief 
in  this,  that  you  yourself  are,  in  the  midst  of  all  these  calami- 
ties, enabled  to  realize  the  fact  that  "  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  who  love  God,  and  who  are  the  called  of  God 
according  to  his  purposes."  And  that our  light  afflictions, 
which  are  but  for  a  moment,  work  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory.''  May  the  Lord  have  compassion 
upon  your  dear  daughter  and  strengthen  her  heart  to  bear  the 
affliction  of  the  loss  of  loved  ones.  And  may  you  yourself  be 
restored  to  health  and  strength. 

I  know  how  to  enter  into  your  very  thoughts  and  feelings 
about  Hedding  Church,  We  expect  to  meet  you  there  as  we 
have  done  before  in  times  past. 

I  have  seen  Rev.  T.  G.  Steward,  pastor  of  Union  Church,  and 
have  shown  him  your  letter.    He  is  coming  to  see  you. 

Now,  on  account  of  bodily  afflictions,  on  account  of  which  I 
am  now  under  special  treatment  by  my  physicians,  and  following 
their  advice  even  to  the  matter  of  public  speaking,  I  am  obliged 
to  decline  the  acceptance  of  your  request  to  preach  upon  the 
occasion  of  your  re-opening  Sanctuary  Church,  but  I  do  offer 
you  Elder  Steward  for  my  substitute.  Try  him,  and  you,  with 
your  people,  will  be  pleased. 


188 


A  BRIEF  HISTORY 


Your  article  in  the  Pioneer  is  really  excellent,  lacking  nothing 
that  I  can  see  to  make  it  acceptable  to  all  the  lovers  of  Jesus 
and  the  spread  of  the  gospel. 

I  am  yours  in  Christ. 

J,  P.  Campbell. 
The  following  short  but  comprehensive  letter,  in 
answer  to  one  I  sent  him,  is  from  my  friend,  Rev- 
Thomas  Hanlon,  D.D.,  President  of  Pennington 
Seminary,  N.  J.,  who  has  so  nobly  agreed  to  aid  us 
in  our  reopening  of  Sanctuary  M.  E.  Church  on  the 
6th  of  January  18S-4.  He  is  fully  able,  by  God^s 
blessing,  to  fill  the  place  of  a  bishop,  and  if  some 
day  that  honor  should  be  conferred  upon  him,  he 
would  be  found  holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as 
he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able,  by  sound 
doctrine,  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gain- 
savers." 

Pennington.  X.  J.,  Dec.  19th  1SS3. 

Ret.  a.  Manship  : 

Dear  Brother  :  Y'our  letter  is  received.  Providence 
permitting,  I  will  help  you  January  6th.  You  have  my  sympathy 
and  prayers.    God  bless  you.       lours  truly, 

Thomas  Hanlon. 

And  now,  to  my  readers  I  will  say  farewell  in 
wielding  the  pen  (which  "is  mightier  than  the 
sword  until  I  come  again,  if  it  be  God's  will,  in 
my  "  Forty  Years  in  the  AVilderness  led  by  a  Pillar 
of  Cloud  and  Fire."'  I  have  no  doubt  many  of  my 
readers  will  rejoice  to  see  that  I  am  full  of  zeal,  and 
ready  to  try  to  do  and  dare,'*'  for  the  Captain  of  our 
Salvation.  A  certain  friend  to  whom  I  was  under 
obligations,  attended  one  of  my  Sabbath  afternoon 
meetings  recently  in  Sanctuary.  He  seemed  to  enjoy 
the  meetings  much ;  he  spoke  eloquently  in  the  back 


OF  GOSPEL  TENTS. 


189 


part  of  the  house.  It  was  a  lovefeast.  I  did  not 
recognise  him  at  the  time.  When  all  was  over,  and 
the  people  had  mostly  retired,  he  came  up  to  the 
altar;  as  he  neared  me  I  saw  it  was  my  friend  W. 
He  said,  very  tenderly,  "Brother  Manship,  how  glad 
I  am  to  see  you  in  this  heavenly  work  and  atmo- 
sphere,'' and  so  kindly  said,  "  all  is  settled  between 
you  and  me."  He  grasped  me  by  the  hand  and 
kissed  me.  How  this  touched  my  feelings.  What 
a  prayer  that  is,  "  Forgive  us  our  trespasses  as  we 
forgive  those  that  trespass  against  us."  *^  Do  unto 
others  as  you  would  have  them  do  unto  you." 

"  With  malice  towards  none,  with  charity  for  all,'' 
and  with  a  hope  that  I  may  live  many  effective 
years  to  do  good  and  communicate,  I  hope  all  will 
think  of  me  kindly,  sympathize  with  me  deeply, 
pray  for  me  earnestly,  "  though  now  for  a  season,  if 
need  be,  ye  are  in  heaviness  through  manifold  temp- 
tations;  that  the  trial  of  your  faith,  be  much  more 
precious  than  of  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be 
tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise  and 
honor  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ; 
whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love  ;  in  whom,  though 
now  you  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory ;  receiving  the 
end  of  your  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  your  souls.'' 
"  Earth  has  no  sorrow  that  heaven  cannot  heal." 

There  saints  of  all  ages  in  harmony  meet, 

Their  Saviour  and  brethren  transported  to  greet ; 

While  anthems  of  rapture  unceasingly  roll, 

And  the  smile  of  the  Lord  is  the  feast  of  the  soul." 


THE  END. 


